Tremelimumab granted Orphan Drug Designation by US FDA for treatment of malignant mesothelioma AstraZeneca today announced that the US Food and Drug Administration has granted Orphan Drug Designation for the anti-CTLA-4 monoclonal antibody, tremelimumab, for the treatment of malignant mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive cancer that most often affects the lining of the lungs and abdomen. Available treatments for mesothelioma are very limited, particularly for patients with advanced disease. "There is a significant need for new treatment options for patients with mesothelioma because fewer than five percent of patients currently survive beyond five years, even when they receive timely diagnosis and care. Our aim is to rapidly advance the development of tremelimumab as a potential new treatment option for these patients," said Robert Iannone, Senior Vice President, Head of Immuno-oncology, Global Medicines Development at AstraZeneca. The Orphan Drug Designation programme provides orphan status to drugs and biologics, which are defined as those intended for the safe and effective treatment, diagnosis or prevention of rare diseases or disorders that affect fewer than 200,000 people in the US1. Tremelimumab is part of the broad pipeline of immuno-oncology assets being developed by AstraZeneca and its biologics research and development arm, MedImmune, which are designed to harness the body's own immune system to fight cancer. It is a fully human monoclonal antibody, which stimulates the immune system to destroy cancer cells through binding to the protein CTLA-4, expressed on the surface of activated T-lymphocytes. In addition to being investigated as a monotherapy treatment for patients with mesothelioma, tremelimumab is currently being studied in combination with AstraZeneca's anti PD-L1 investigational immunotherapy, MEDI4736, in tumour types including non-small cell lung cancer and head and neck cancer. It is also being studied in combination with Iressa (gefitinib) in EGFR mutated non-small cell lung cancer and with MEDI6469 (a murine OX40 agonist) in solid tumours. 1US Food and Drug Administration. Developing Products for Rare Diseases & Conditions http://www.fda.gov/ForIndustry/DevelopingProd...ions/defau l t.htm Accessed on 31 March 2015 About AstraZeneca in Oncology Oncology is a therapeutic area in which AstraZeneca has deep-rooted heritage. It will be potentially transformational for the company's future, becoming the sixth growth platform. Our vision is to help patients by redefining the cancer treatment paradigm and one-day eliminate cancer as cause of death. By 2020, we are aiming to bring six new cancer medicines to patients. Our broad pipeline of next-generation medicines is focused on four main disease areas - ovarian, lung, breast, and haematological cancers. These are being targeted through four key platforms - immuno-oncology, the genetic drivers of cancer and resistance, DNA damage repair and antibody drug conjugates. About AstraZeneca AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven biopharmaceutical business that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialisation of prescription medicines, primarily for the treatment of cardiovascular, metabolic, respiratory, inflammation, autoimmune, oncology, infection and neuroscience diseases. AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. For more information please visit: www.astrazeneca.com CONTACTS Media Enquiries Esra Erkal-Paler +44 20 7604 8030 (UK/Global) Vanessa Rhodes +44 20 7604 8037 (UK/Global) Ayesha Bharmal +44 20 7604 8034 (UK/Global) Jacob Lund +46 8 553 260 20 (Sweden) Michele Meixell + 1 302 885 6351 (US) Investor Enquiries Thomas Kudsk Larsen +44 20 7604 8199 mob: +44 7818 524185 Karl Hård +44 20 7604 8123 mob: +44 7789 654364 Eugenia Litz +44 20 7604 8233 mob: +44 7884 735627 Craig Marks +44 20 7 604 8591 mob: +44 7881 615764 Christer Gruvris +44 20 7604 8126 mob: +44 7827 836825 15 April 2015 -ENDS-
Tremelimumab granted Orphan Drug Designation Tremelimumab
Top 10 Most Recent News Articles
SaponiQ Reinvents Body Care with Botanical Soap Bars
Breaking Through with Simple Innovation I'll be the first to say it's not every day you hear about a soap company trying to shake things up in body care like it’s a tech startup, but here’s SaponiQ taking a wild swing at it with their lineup of botanical cleansing bars. These things are whipped up in their own U.S.-based facility using some fancy cold-process...
Continue Reading
Ultrabench Revolutionizes AI Model Comparison Game
Breaking Down the Messy AI Model Landscape Ultrabench.ai is here to drag AI model comparison out of the dark ages. Picture this: 309 AI models, ranked against a whopping 530 benchmarks, all served up on one plate. If you’re navigating the AI jungle, you’ll realize how Ultrabench is no small fish in this vast ocean. Consolidating Where Others Have Scattered There's a...
Continue Reading
Athlete Threats: Public Info Fuels Security Risks
Public Exposure: The New Athlete Achilles' Heel Imagine sitting on millions while living in a glass house. That's the kind of predicament today's athletes find themselves in, thanks to the treasure trove of public information spilling their personal lives all over the internet. According to the latest Hush Intelligence Athlete Threat Report 2026, this very exposure has...
Continue Reading
Nelson-Jameson Boosts Cold Storage in California Move
An Icy Boost for the West Coast Dairy Player Every now and then, a company gets its cold storage game just right. Nelson-Jameson has added fresh muscle to its Turlock facility in California, making waves with serious logistical upgrades. The company's dogged pursuit of better operational efficiency in dairy processing isn't just about bragging rights. It's plain old good...
Continue Reading
Ace Hardware Ups the Stakes with Rewards Days Event
Ace Hardware: Doubling Down with Rewards Ace Hardware's rolling out the red carpet for its loyal customers. Imagine this: exclusive deals on trusted brands and double points on purchases—an incentive any savvy shopper would jump at. From October 6 to 7, those in the Ace Rewards circle have the chance to nab some hefty savings and perks, a move that's more than just a...
Continue Reading
Li-Fire Expands Fire Safety Amid Rising Battery Risks
A Crunchy Look at New Fire Safety Moves Well, folks, here's a twist we didn't see coming but sure makes sense in today's electrifying business landscape. Li-Fire, the big brains behind lithium battery fire suppression, is spreading its wings nationwide, or at least its wholesale and distribution programs are. And right ahead of National Fire Safety Week no less—talk...
Continue Reading
Cannatrol and Veterans Nonprofit Unite for Healing
Veterans Find a New Ally in Cannabis Tech When two distinct worlds collide for a cause, it can create waves of change much bigger than simple collaboration. That's exactly what's happening with Cannatrol and Operation Green Healing, a partnership that could redefine support for our veterans. Cannatrol, renowned for its groundbreaking post-harvest cannabis technology, has...
Continue Reading
MiniCo's New Desk: A Game Changer for E&S Market
A New Chapter in Industrial Casualty Look out, folks! MiniCo Insurance Agency is making waves with its latest launch. They're teaming up with Lloyd's of London, not to sell fish and chips, but to bring something groundbreaking in the insurance space—an industrial casualty trading desk. And if you’re raising an eyebrow wondering why this matters, let me break it down...
Continue Reading
Mitsubishi's Q3 Sales: SUVs Up, Mirage Out
You ever notice how the market treats innovation and tradition like they’re these ever-spinning plates in a circus act? Take Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA). Their third-quarter report's got me both nodding in approval and scratching my head. Sure, they sold 18,543 vehicles—down 5.6% from the previous year. But don’t write 'em off just yet. The slumping...
Continue Reading
Sports Research Joins Costco: Creatine Mix Available
Breaking Into the Big League: Sports Research Hits Costco When a company's product finds its way onto Costco's shelves, you know they're not just playing in the minor leagues anymore. This October, Sports Research® made a bold move into the retail giant's sports nutrition section with their new Creatine + Electrolytes powder. It's not their first rodeo when it comes to...
Continue ReadingTop 5 Most Recently Viewed Articles
WestBond Experiences Surge in Quarterly Profits and Growth
WestBond's Impressive Financial Performance WestBond Enterprises Corporation (TSX-V: WBE) has recently made headlines with its remarkable financial results for the quarter ending September 30. The company reported a substantial net profit of $174,630, marking a remarkable 79% increase compared to the $97,710 profit for the previous quarter. These figures underline the...
Continue Reading
Exploring the Future of the Toothpaste Market: Trends and Insights
The Bright Future of the Toothpaste Market Recent insights reveal that the global toothpaste market is on an exciting trajectory. Reports indicate that this market is anticipated to expand significantly, highlighting key trends that are reshaping consumer preferences and industry dynamics. The arrival of innovative herbal formulations and the surge in online shopping are...
Continue Reading
Forge Global Highlights Top Unicorns Shaping Innovation Growth
Forge Global Highlights Noteworthy Unicorn Companies In the dynamic world of the U.S. innovation economy, Forge Global Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: FRGE) has identified an exceptional group referred to as the Private Magnificent 7. These companies emerge as powerhouses that are significantly influencing the future of innovation. Exploring the Private Magnificent 7 The Private...
Continue Reading
Bitcoin Solaris Revolutionizes Crypto with Innovative Features
Bitcoin Solaris Presale Approaches Its End In a dynamic shift occurring in the world of cryptocurrency, Bitcoin Solaris (BTC-S) is capturing significant attention as its presale nears completion. With an innovative dual-layer architecture and mobile-first mining capabilities, BTC-S has attracted more than 11,500 enthusiastic users. The anticipation is building as the...
Continue Reading
Why Skills-Based Hiring Matters More Than Resumes Today
The Rise of Skills-Based Hiring As the job market evolves, skills-based hiring is positioning itself as an innovative alternative to traditional résumés. Today's employers, particularly in service and trade sectors, are focusing on practical evidence of skills rather than relying solely on paper qualifications. Vetano is at the forefront of this trend, helping...
Continue Reading