AV-203

Through the use of our Human Response Platform, AVEO scientists have highlighted the importance of the ErbB3 receptor in tumor growth. ErbB3 belongs to a family of four proteins that also includes EGFR and Her2. 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 over-expressing breast cancers.


Through our discovery efforts, we have identified antibodies that have been shown to be potent and selective inhibitors of ErbB3 in preclinical studies. In preclinical testing, these antibodies have significantly inhibited the growth of a number of different tumors, including breast, prostate and pancreatic cancers. In 2010, we intend to select a development candidate and commence manufacturing of this candidate in preparation for preclinical studies and human clinical trials.


In March 2009, AVEO granted Biogen Idec an exclusive option to obtain rights to co-develop (with AVEO) and commercialize our ErbB3-targeted antibodies for the potential treatment and diagnosis of cancer and other diseases outside of the United States, Canada and Mexico.