SPmAb

Thus far, inconclusive efficacy has been reported for anti-MUC1 antibodies directed mainly against the extracellular TRA domain located on tumor cells but also as a soluble form on patient’s blood. Targeting only the tumor bound MUC1, could bypass limitations (for both diagnostic and therapeutic use) posed by soluble circulating TRA domains.

Using our VaxHit technology we have identified non-MHC associated, MUC1 specific, cell surfaces presence for MUC1 signal peptide domain (Kovjazin et al., 2014). The SPmAb-2.1 and SPmAb-6 monoclonal antibodies generated bind a large variety of MUC1-positive human solid and hematological tumor cell lines; MUC1-positive bone marrow derived primary tumors (plasma cells) obtained from multiple myeloma-patients, but not MUC1 negative tumors cell lines, normal naive primary blood cell including naïve bone marrow derived plasma cell and naive epithelial cells.

Vaxil is using SPmAb-2.1 and SPmAb-6 as a “companion diagnostic” to identify and follow the 'best myeloma patients' to benefit from ImMucin’s therapy.

Since anti-MUC1 SP antibodies SPmAb-2.1 and SPmAb-6 target cellular MUC1 on tumor cells but not soluble MUC1 in patients’ blood they are far more specific vis-à-vis anther MUC1 antibodies and have huge potential for both therapeutic and diagnostic applications.

Vaxil is exploring possible partnerships to this end. For more information visit our publications section under ImMucin.