Genmab Announces Start of Ofatumumab Phase III Head to Head Study in DLBCL

• Press Release
• Source: Genmab A/S
• On 2:39 am EST, Monday November 9, 2009

COPENHAGEN, Denmark, Nov. 9, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Summary: Genmab has initiated a Phase III study of Arzerra ofatumumab in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

Genmab A/S (Copenhagen:GEN - News) announced today the initiation of a Phase III study of Arzerra (TM) ofatumumab plus chemotherapy versus rituximab plus chemotherapy to treat patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

"The start of this study marks an important milestone in the development of ofatumumab. It is the first head to head study of ofatumumab against another CD20 antibody," said Lisa N. Drakeman, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Genmab.

The study will include 380 patients who are refractory to or have relapsed following first line treatment with rituximab in combination with a chemotherapy regimen containing anthracycline and are eligible for autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT). Patients in the study will be randomized to receive three cycles of either ofatumumab or rituximab in addition to chemotherapy. After the third treatment cycle patients who obtain a complete or partial response will receive high dose chemotherapy followed by ASCT. The primary endpoint of the study is progression free survival.

About ofatumumab

Ofatumumab is an investigational, fully human monoclonal antibody that binds specifically to the small and large extracellular loops of the CD20 molecule proximal to the cell membrane. The CD20 molecule is a key target in B-cell malignancy therapy because it is expressed on most B-cells.

Ofatumumab is being developed under a co-development and commercialization agreement between Genmab and GlaxoSmithKline. Ofatumumab is not yet approved in any country for DLBCL.

About Genmab A/S

Genmab is a leading international biotechnology company focused on developing fully human antibody therapeutics for the potential treatment of cancer. Genmab's world class discovery, development and manufacturing teams are using cutting-edge technology to create and develop products to address unmet medical needs. Our primary goal is to improve the lives of patients who are in urgent need of new treatment options. For more information on Genmab's products and technology, visit www.genmab.com.

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Genmab(R); the Y-shaped Genmab logo(R); HuMax(R); HuMax-CD20(R); HuMax-EGFr(TM); HuMax-IL8(TM); HuMax-TAC(TM); HuMax-HepC(TM); HuMax-CD38(TM); HuMax-CD32b(TM); HuMax-TF(TM); HuMax-Her2(TM); HuMax-VEGF(TM) and UniBody(R) are all trademarks of Genmab A/S. Arzerra(TM) is a trademark of GlaxoSmithKline.

Stock Exchange Release no. 43/2009

Genmab A/S
Helle Husted, Vice President, Investor Relations
+45 33 44 77 30
Cell: +45 25 27 47 13
h.husted@genmab.com