Ilex, LeukoSite deal

The companies formed a joint venture to develop Campath-1H, LeukoSite’s monoclonal antibody to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The companies will contribute equal capital to the venture and share equally in the compound’s profits.

Campath targets and binds to the CD52 cell surface antigen that is found almost exclusively on lymphocytes. The mechanism destroys malignant cells while sparing the hematopoietic stem cells, LeukoSite said. The joint venture plans to file applications in the U.S. and Europe in 1998 to begin a pivotal trial in 50-100 CLL patients. ...