HAMPTON, N.J., Nov. 29, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Celldex Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq:CLDX) announced today it has completed its previously announced acquisition of Kolltan Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a privately held company focused on the discovery and development of novel, antibody-based drugs targeting receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs).
“Celldex has added a unique platform of antibodies targeting receptor tyrosine kinases, which are validated targets in oncology, to our pipeline. Clinical and preclinical data suggest these candidates can help overcome tumor resistance mechanisms associated with current tyrosine kinase inhibitors and seen in patients who have failed other cancer therapies,” said Anthony Marucci, Co-founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Celldex. “We believe these programs are highly compatible with our scientific approach and can be developed independently and in combination with Celldex's existing product candidates. We are finalizing our integrated clinical development strategy and look forward to outlining these plans in the coming weeks.”
The following programs have been added to the Celldex pipeline:
- CDX-0158 (formerly KTN0158) — a humanized monoclonal antibody that is a potent inhibitor of KIT activation and receptor dimerization in tumor cells and mast cells, which is currently in a Phase 1 dose escalation study in refractory gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST).
- CDX-3379 (formerly KTN3379) — a human monoclonal antibody designed to block the activity of ErbB3 (HER3), which recently completed a Phase 1b study with combination cohorts where meaningful responses and stable disease were observed in cetuximab (Erbitux®) refractory patients in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and in BRAF-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
- A multi-faceted TAM program — a broad antibody discovery effort underway to generate antibodies that modulate the TAM family of RTKs, comprised of Tyro3, AXL and MerTK, which are expressed on tumor-infiltrating macrophages, dendritic cells and some tumors. Research supports TAMs having broad application and potential across immuno-oncology and inflammatory diseases.
About Celldex Therapeutics, Inc.
Celldex is developing targeted therapeutics to address devastating diseases for which available treatments are inadequate. Our pipeline is built from a proprietary portfolio of antibodies and immunomodulators used alone and in strategic combinations to create novel, disease-specific therapies that induce, enhance or suppress the body's immune response. Visit www.celldex.com.
