Genmab announces that daratumumab will be investigated in early stage clinical studies in combination with atezolizumab (anti-PD-L1 antibody), in a solid tumor and multiple myeloma.

The studies will be conducted under a clinical trial collaboration agreement between Genmab’s licensing partner for daratumumab, Janssen Biotech, Inc., and Genentech, a member of the Roche Group.  Atezolizumab is an investigational monoclonal antibody designed to bind to a protein called PD-L1, which is expressed on tumor cells and tumor-infiltrating immune cells. Janssen will conduct a Phase Ib study of daratumumab in combination with atezolizumab to treat a solid tumor.

Genentech will amend an ongoing Phase Ib study to assess atezolizumab in combination with daratumumab, with daratumumab and lenalidomide, and with daratumumab and pomalidomide in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (NCT02431208).  The studies are expected to start enrolling patients later this year and information about the studies will be posted on www.clinicaltrials.gov.

“We are very excited about the start of the first study to investigate daratumumab in a solid tumor, potentially expanding its clinical utility beyond hematological cancers.  We are equally excited about testing daratumumab in combination with an immune checkpoint inhibitor, such as Roche’s anti-PDL1, atezolizumab, in multiple myeloma. Both studies mark a key next step in  the expansive clinical development of daratumumab in the hope to find even more effective treatment options for cancer patients,” said Jan van de Winkel, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Genmab.