XOMA to Present Preclinical Data from its PTH1R Monoclonal Antibodies Program at the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting


BERKELEY, Calif., March 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- XOMA Corporation (Nasdaq:XOMA), a pioneer in the discovery and development of therapeutic antibodies, announced today the presentation of data from its PTH1R Monoclonal Antibodies Program. The poster, which reports data from a pre-clinical study investigating the efficacy of the Company’s anti-PTH1R antagonist monoclonal antibody in reversing hypercalcemia, will be presented at the American Association for Cancer Research annual meeting, April 1-5, 2017, in Washington, DC.

Hypercalcemia is relatively common in patients with cancer, occurring in up to 30 percent of casesi. Hypercalcemia often occurs in patients with both solid tumors and hematologic malignancies due to release of a protein that activates the parathyroid hormone receptor (PTH1R) thereby leading to potentially dangerous calcium levels. Malignancy often is evident clinically by the time it causes hypercalcemia, and those patients often have a poor prognosis.

“Our PTH1R program began as an endocrine program, but because of its unique mechanism-of-action we believe it is also potentially beneficial to oncology patients suffering from hypercalcemia,” said Jim Neal, Chief Executive Officer of XOMA. “We seek partners who have a deep commitment to and expertise in drug development. We believe our PTH1R program could join the other antibodies in our extensive licensing portfolio of fully funded programs that are being advanced by partner companies to benefit patients suffering from a wide range of health conditions.”

Poster Presentation Details
Abstract Title: Impacting Humoral Hypercalcemia of Malignancy (HHM) and associated PTH1R-mediated morbidities: Characterization of an anti-PTH1R antagonist monoclonal antibody to reverse hypercalcemia

  • Session: Late-Breaking Research (LB-306): Experimental and Molecular Therapeutics 2
  • Date: Wednesday, April 5, 2017, 8:00am to 12:00pm ET
  • Location: Poster Section 34, Board 14

For additional information, please visit the AACR website: www.aacr.org.

About XOMA’s PTH1R Monoclonal Antibodies Program
XOMA has developed several unique functional antibody antagonists targeting PTH1R, a G-protein-coupled receptor involved in the regulation of calcium metabolism. These antibodies have shown promising efficacy in in vivo studies and potentially could address high unmet medical needs, including primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) and humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy (HHM).

HHM is present in many advanced cancers and is caused by high serum calcium due to increased levels of the PTH1R ligand PTH-related peptide (PTHrP).  Since current HHM treatments often fall short and many cancer patients die from ‘metabolic death’, PTH1R antibodies could prove beneficial for the treatment of HHM.

About XOMA Corporation
XOMA has an extensive portfolio of products, programs, and technologies that are the subject of licenses the Company has in place with other biotech and pharmaceutical companies.  Many of these licenses are the result of the Company’s pioneering efforts in the discovery and development of antibody therapeutics.  There are more than 20 such programs that are fully funded by partners and could produce milestone payments and royalty payments in the future. In order to maximize its value in a licensing transaction, XOMA continues to invest in X358, an allosteric monoclonal antibody that reduces insulin receptor activity, as the antibody could have a major impact on the treatment of hyperinsulinism. For more information, visit www.xoma.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements contained in this press release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including statements regarding: the potential of XOMA's portfolio of partnered programs and licensed technologies generating substantial milestone and royalty proceeds over time; positive momentum in 2017; the significant unmet therapeutic need for certain rare medical conditions associated with hyperinsulinism; the continued generation of antibodies by XOMA's proprietary phage display libraries; the potential of IL-2 to provide opportunities to improve patient outcomes; the potential for PTH1R to address high unmet medical needs; XOMA's intent to license X213 and X358; the possibility of the receipt of up to $4 million in additional sales milestones under our agreements with HCRP; and statements that otherwise relate to future periods. These statements are based on assumptions that may not prove accurate, and actual results could differ materially from those anticipated due to certain risks inherent in the biotechnology industry and for companies engaged in the development of new products in a regulated market. Potential risks to XOMA meeting these expectations are described in more detail in XOMA's most recent filing on Form 10-K and in other SEC filings. Consider such risks carefully when considering XOMA's prospects. Any forward-looking statement in this press release represents XOMA's views only as of the date of this press release and should not be relied upon as representing its views as of any subsequent date. XOMA disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required by applicable law.

i Stewart, AF. Hypercalcemia Associated with Cancer. N Engl J Med 2005; 352:373-379.January 27, 2005DOI: 10.1056/NEJMcp042806.


            

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