Abituzumab is a humanized IgG2 monoclonal antibody (mAb) targeted at CD51 (an integrin) currently in development by Merck KGaA Darmstadt, Germany in an attempt to prevent bone lesion metastases in castration-resistant prostate cancer.
[1][2] Early results from clinical trials show that there are no severe dose-dependent adverse effects up to 1500 mg IV administration of Abituzumab.
[6] Despite the negative impact on earnings and net income, Merck KGaA observed an 18.2% increase in net sales during the second quarter of 2016, with EBITDA pre-exceptionals rising 28.8% and EBITDA margin rising 30.4%[7] On December 14, 2009 Merck KGaA filed a patent application citing Abituzumab as a novel treatment and diagnostic tool for patients with tumor induced angiogenesis or another angiogenic-associated disorder.
[8] Cetixumab, a monoclonal antibody, that targets epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and irinotecan, a topoisomerase I inhibitor, can be used in combination as standard of care for treating colorectal cancer.
[11] This trial utilized Abituzumab in combination with luteinizing hormone antagonist/agonist treatment every three weeks in patients with confirmed bone lesions in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.