AV-203

AV-203 is an ErbB3 (HER3)-targeted antibody. ErbB3 belongs to a family of four proteins that also includes the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and the HER2 receptor. Both EGFR and HER2 have been implicated in promoting the growth of significant numbers of tumors, particularly in breast and lung cancers. Drugs blocking the activity of EGFR have demonstrated clinical benefit in lung, colon and head and neck cancers, while drugs targeting HER2 show clinical benefit in the treatment of HER2 overexpressing breast cancers. ErbB3 is significantly overexpressed in many human breast, ovarian, prostate, colorectal, pancreatic, gastric, and head and neck cancers, which generally correlates with poor prognosis. It has also been implicated in resistance to radiotherapy and to certain drugs that target EGFR in lung cancer.

 

In March 2009, AVEO announced a definitive agreement with Biogen Idec, Inc. for the development and commercialization of AVEO’s novel ErbB3-targeted antibodies for the potential treatment of cancer and other diseases. Through the agreement, AVEO retains North American commercialization rights to AV-203 and all ErbB3-binding antibodies, and is responsible for leading global development of the ErbB3 program. In April 2010, AV-203 was selected as the first humanized antibody development candidate from the ErbB3 program.

 

Pre-clinical studies of and IND-enabling activities for AV-203 are ongoing.