Coverage Initiated: October 2009

ImmunoGen (IMGN) has created technology to make antibody drugs work better. Their TAP linker technology "empowers" existing antibodies by linking them to a cellular toxin called maytansine. The antibody finds the target cell, usually cancer cells, and delivers the maytansine chemotherapy. Maytansine was developed as a chemotherapy in the 1980s, but proved to be too toxic. Using ImmunoGen's TAP technology, this powerful chemotherapeutic can be delivered with relative safety.

ImmunoGen traditionally outlicensed their technology to others. Recently, a management and strategic change has lead the company to decide to also develop some TAP-based products on their own. Nevertheless, the company is most widely known for a license TAP product called T-DM1 under development by Roche-Genentech (RHHBY). T-DM1 uses Genentech's blockbuster cancer drug Herceptin and modifies it with ImmunoGen's TAP technology. Initial data in breast cancer is very promising, likely leading to Genentech applying for and receiving FDA approval in 3rd-line breast cancer in 2010.

ImmunoGen's TAP technology competes with similar technology from Seattle Genetics (SGEN), another BSR-covered company (click here for more information on Seattle Genetics).

A complete listing of our research on ImmunoGen is available by clicking here.