Immunomedics was a biotechnology company focused on the development of antibody-drug conjugates for the treatment of cancer. In 2020, the company was acquired by Gilead Sciences for $21 billion.[1]
History
Immunomedics was founded in July 1982 by David M. Goldenberg.[2]
Michael Pehl was named CEO in December 2017 but left for personal reasons in February 2019.[3] At that time, Dr. Behzad Aghazadeh was named Executive Chairman.[4]
In October 2020, Gilead Sciences acquired the company.[1] In March 2022, Gilead announced the closing of the former Immunomedics facility in Morris Plains.[5]
Products
- Epratuzumab is a humanized anti-CD22 monoclonal antibody in phase III trials for pediatric leukemia.
- Sacituzumab govitecan (IMMU-132 / Trodelvy) is an anti-Trop-2-SN-38 antibody-drug conjugate for breast cancer and solid tumors. It was approved in April 2020 by the FDA for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (mTNBC) who have received at least two prior therapies for patients with relapsed or refractory metastatic disease.[6] In 2017, the company scrapped a licensing deal for the drug with Seagen that led to the resignation of founder David M. Goldenberg.[7]
- Labetuzumab (IMMU-130) is an anti-CEACAM5-SN-38 antibody-drug conjugate in clinical trials for colorectal cancer.
- Veltuzumab is an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody for treatment of cancer.
- Milatuzumab (IMMU-110) is an anti-CD74 monoclonal antibody for autoimmune diseases.
- IMMU-114 is an anti-HLA-DR for hematological cancers.[8]
References
- Gilead Sciences Completes Acquisition of Immunomedics, Inc. Business Wire, October 23, 2020^
- Adam Feuerstein. Immunomedics Sale Hinges on Proxy Battle Over Fate of Controversial Founder TheStreet.com, January 25, 2017^
- Frank Vinluan. Immunomedics CEO Michael Pehl Resigns Xconomy, February 28, 2019^
- Immunomedics Form 8-K U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, February 22, 2019^
- Gilead Sciences will lay off 114 staffers based out of former Immunomedics headquarters 8 March 2022^
- FDA Approves New Therapy for Triple Negative Breast Cancer That Has Spread, Not Responded to Other Treatments Food and Drug Administration, April 22, 2020^
- ARMIE MARGARET LEE. Immunomedics, Seattle Genetics Scrap License Deal TheStreet.com, May 5, 2017^
- X Chen, C-H Chang, R Stein, D M Goldenberg. The humanized anti-HLA-DR moAb, IMMU-114, depletes APCs and reduces alloreactive T cells: implications for preventing GVHD Nature, October 24, 2011^