BI-505

Product description
BI-505 is a fully human antibody derived from BioInvent's proprietary n-CoDeR® library. The antibody binds to the adhesion protein ICAM-1 (CD54), which is over expressed in several tumours but is not widely expressed in normal tissue. BI-505 is being developed to treat multiple myelomas that express ICAM-1.

Product rationale
BI-505 was identified in a screen to find antibodies that can cause cell death (apoptosis). Antibodies with this property could be used to kill cancer cells to which they bind.

Prior to BioInvent's screen and preclinical studies, the ability of anti-ICAM-1 to lead to apoptosis had not been recognised. Owing to its novel mode of action, BI-505 could be given to patients that do not respond to current treatments.

Clinical status
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) approved in August 2009 the initiation of phase I studies with BI-505. BI-505 has been granted orphan drug designation for multiple myeloma by both the FDA and the European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicines (EMEA).

Development and commercialisation strategy
We are currently developing BI-505 in house at BioInvent.