Merrimack Pharmaceuticals' Preclinical Research Shows MM-121 Restores Sensitivity to Anti-Estrogen Therapy and Delays Onset of Treatment Resistance in ER-Positive Breast Cancer Model
MM-121 is a fully human monoclonal antibody that targets ErbB3, a cell surface receptor implicated in tumor growth and survival. By inhibiting ErbB3 signaling, MM-121 was found to restore sensitivity, delay resistance and enhance the anti-tumor effect of letrozole as a combination therapy partner.
"In nearly all cases of advanced ER+ breast cancer, endocrine therapies are initially effective, but patients eventually develop resistance to these treatments," said
Study Methodology
The activity of MM-121 alone and in combination with letrozole was measured in an MCF7 in vivo model of post-menopausal ER+ breast cancer engineered to express aromatase. Models of ER+ breast cancer were randomized to receive letrozole, MM-121 or both MM-121 and letrozole following development of resistance to letrozole. Tumors were harvested 24 hours after initiating treatment post-randomization and at the end of the study when all treatment arms developed resistance.
Sanofi and Merrimack entered into an exclusive, global license and collaboration agreement for MM-121 in 2009.
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