Genzyme, CAT and TGF-beta

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) plays a central role in wound repair and control of inflammation. As a therapy, the protein has a checkered past, with at least one late-stage clinical failure to its name. However, in indications characterized by pathological overexpression of TGF-beta, turning it off may prove more successful. Last week, two companies investigating this approach, Genzyme General and Cambridge Antibody Technology Group plc, partnered to pursue the development of antibodies against TGF-beta to treat fibrotic diseases and cancer.

Companies using TGF-beta as a treatment have met with only partial success. In 1995, Celtrix Pharmaceuticals Inc. (acquired by Insmed Pharmaceuticals Inc. this year) dropped development of TGF-beta-2 in age-related macular degeneration after the protein failed to show benefit in a Phase III trial. Likewise, OSI Pharmaceuticals Inc. (OSIP, Uniondale, N.J.) dropped development of the protein in oral mucositis after it saw no improvement in a Phase II trial among patients given TGF-beta 3 to promote wound healing (see BioCentury, Feb. 13, 1995 & May 26, 1998)...