MOR202 for MM
Is a fully human HuCAL antibody directed against
CD38, a therapeutic target for the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM) and
certain leukemias. In preclinical studies MOR202 mediated antibody-dependent
cell-mediated cytotoxicity in MM cells derived from patients in vitro.
Either Velcade® (bortezomib) or Revlimid® (lenalidomide) enhanced the cytotoxic
activity of MOR202 in vitro and also the inhibition of MM-mediated bone lysis
and tumor load in vivo. The enhancement by bortezomib was mediated through a
direct cytotoxic effect on MM cells.
Lenalidomide synergistically enhanced MOR202 activity by
several mechanisms identified to be direct cytotoxicity, activation of effector
cells and increased CD38 expression levels on MM cells. In an orthotopic
xenograft murine model of multiple myeloma, MOR202 reduced tumor load and tumor
mediated bone lysis. Co-administration of MOR202 with either bortezomib or
lenalidomide completely abolished bone lysis in a synergistic manner. These
findings support further investigation of MOR202 combination regimens in
clinical trials.
MOR202 is currently being tested in a phase 1/2a trial* in
patients with relapsed/refractory myeloma. MOR202 is part of MorphoSys's
collaboration with Celgene.
