European Commission Grants Orphan Drug Status to Eisai's Amatuximab for the Treatment of Malignant Mesothelioma

European Commission Grants OrphanEuropean Commission Grants Orphan Drug Status to Eisai's Amatuximab for the Treatment of Malignant Mesothelioma PR Newswire HATFIELD, England, January 22, 2014 The investigational monoclonal antibody amatuximab (development code: MORAb-009), has today been granted orphan drug designation (ODD) for the treatment of malignant mesothelioma by the European Commission. Malignant mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that affects an estimated 1 [1]in 50,000 (0.2/10,000) people per year in Europe. Studies have shown [1]highest incidence in the UK and Ireland and lowest in Eastern Europe. This aggressive form of lung cancer is caused by asbestos exposure and despite a dramatic decrease in asbestos use since the mid-70s its [2],[3]incidence is expected to increase. Amatuximab has high affinity and specificity for mesothelin, a protein which is overexpressed in people with malignant mesothelioma. Amatuximab was discovered and developed through Morphotek, a subsidiary wholly owned by Eisai. "Eisai is dedicated to providing new options for people with difficult-to-treat diseases. The ODD for amatuximab highlights the need for new effective treatments for people with malignant mesothelioma and the potential for this investigational drug," says Gary Hendler, President & CEO Eisai EMEA & Russia.