Dr. Huse: Directed evolution in some ways repeats the process of evolution in the test tube, but goes a step or two further to facilitate engineering proteins to make them into better pharmaceutical agents. For example, an enzyme may have been evolved by nature for a particular purpose in nature, but as we use it as a drug, some features of enzymes may not already be optimal for the use as a drug. We use the directed evolution to improve those aspects that haven't already been optimized by nature to make them into better drugs.
TWST: Would you tell us about the proteins or the candidate that you are
currently in the process of optimizing?
Dr. Huse: We have optimized several proteins for partners and several
proteins for our own internal pipeline. For partners we've optimized
Synagis', which is a product sold by MedImmune, to generate their next-
generation product; to create Numax_, which they intend to go into the
clinic with this year. We've also engineered an antibody that prevents
angiogenesis, called Vitaxin_, which has been in the clinic for a number
of years with MedImmune, and my understanding is they plan to start
Phase II trials this quarter in oncology and rheumatoid arthritis. Also
with MedImmune we have engineered an antibody against IL-9, which is for
inflammation, which they also intend to bring to clinic by the end of
the year. We've also engineered multiple antibodies and other protein
therapeutic candidates for a number of other partners, but we haven't
announced what the specific targets are. For our own internal program
we've engineered a number of antibodies and enzymes also and cytokines,
three of which we've announced. Importantly, we have engineered a next-
generation of Remicade', which is an anti-inflammatory antibody used
against rheumatoid arthritis and we have also created a next-generation
of Rituxan, an anti-CD-20 antibody used for the treatment of non-
Hodgkin's lymphoma. Another internal program is an enzyme that breaks
down cocaine and can potentially help treat cocaine addiction and
cocaine overdose. This is fully funded by NIH grants. Those are the ones
we've announced do far, but we have more candidates in our pipeline.
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