Research and Markets: The Essential Immunocytokines Competitor Analysis is Now Available

DUBLIN--(Business Wire)--
Research and Markets
(http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/58cdd4/competitor_analysi) has
announced the addition of the "Competitor Analysis: Immunocytokines" report to
their offering.

The present Competitive Intelligence Report about Immunocytokines provides a
competitor evaluation in the field of tumor targeted cytokines by means of
antibodies, proteins, peptides and other carriers for treatment of cancer as of
June 2009.

Although the human cytokines interleukin-2 (IL-2) and tumor necrosis factor
(TNF) alpha are approved marketed for tumor therapy, their use is rather limited
due to severe systemic side effects. Targeted delivery of the cytokine may be an
approach to reduce systemic side effects by tumor targeting via antibodies or
other tumor specific delivery of a cytokine as the payload. Immunocytokines are
recombinant fusion proteins with an antibody based tumor targeting moiety and a
cytokine. At present, at least eight different immunocytokines are in early
clinical development and further three entering clinical testing soon. Clinical
experience so far indicates that potential toxicity can be managed and is
reversible. Clinical anti-tumor activity was seen in some kind of tumors, but
companies are exploring suitable clinical indications for their immunocytokines.

Instead of using antibody for tumor targeting, proteins or peptides also can be
used for tumor homing and local delivery of the cytokine. Broad clinical
evaluation of several protein/peptide cytokine complexes is ongoing. Targeting
of richly vascularized tumors also can be achieved by nanomolecules targeting
leaky, newly formed tumor vasculature for delivery of the cytokine effector
function. Such principles also can include a second effector function such as
cytotoxic agents to further increase anti-tumor activity. Clinical evaluation of
such molecules has started.

The preferred cytokines used in immunocytokines and other cytokine complexes are
IL-2 and TNF alpha. Other candidate cytokines in evaluation are interleukin-12
and interferon gamma in oncology and the anti-inflammatory cytokine
interleukin-10 for rheumatoid arthritis.

The report includes a compilation of current active projects in research and
development of immunocytokines in oncology. In addition, the report lists
company-specific R&D pipelines of immunocytokines. Competitor projects are
listed in a tabular format providing information on:

* Drug Codes,
* Target / Mechanism of Action
* Class of Compound
* Company
* Product Category
* Indication
* R&D Stage
* additional comments with a hyperlink leading to the source of information.

Key Topics Covered:

* Antibody Cytokine Complexes
* Protein/Peptide Cytokine Complexes
* Other Targeted Cytokine Complexes
* Corporate Immunocytokine R&D Pipelines

For more information visit
http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/58cdd4/competitor_analysi

Research and Markets
Laura Wood
Senior Manager
press@researchandmarkets.com
Fax from USA: 646-607-1907
Fax from rest of the world: +353-1-481-1716

Copyright Business Wire 2009