ImmunoCellular completes MDC acquisition

Los Angeles, USA-based ImmunoCellular Therapeutics (IMUC) has completed the previously-announced acquisition of monoclonal antibody-related technology owned by Molecular Discoveries (MDC), a New York company (Marketletter December 3, 2007).

The technology acquired under the MDC agreement and now owned by IMUC consists of: a platform technology referred to by MDC as DIAAD for the potentially rapid discovery of MAbs to detect and treat cancer and other chronic diseases; and certain MAb candidates for the potential detection and treatment of multiple myeloma, small cell lung, pancreatic and ovarian cancers. The MAbs are covered by five issued patents and pending patent applications in the fields of multiple myeloma, colon, small cell lung, pancreatic and ovarian cancers. The monoclonal antibody therapeutic market is substantial, with MAb-based cancer treatments accounting for over $6.0 billion in annual sales worldwide.

IMUC contemplates commencing the initial phase of development of a diagnostic/prognostic product for small cell lung cancer and a therapeutic product for the treatment of this and pancreatic cancers, based upon the acquired proprietary MAb candidates.