Ensituximab (NPC-1C) is a chimeric monoclonal antibody under development for as a candidate for treatment of cancers.[1] The target of the antibody is uncertain and is described as "human colorectal and pancreatic carcinoma-associated antigens", a set of tumor antigens isolated from human cancers.[2] The target might be Mucin 5AC.[3]
The antibody was discovered by scientists at Neogenix Oncology using tumor antigens that had been identified years earlier by Ariel Hollinshead; the founder of Neogenix had founded a prior company based on Hollinshead's work as well.[4] Neogenix worked with Selexis to develop the CHO cell line expressing ensituximab[5][6] and also worked with Goodwin Biotechnology Inc on process development.[7]
In 2011 Neogenix was forced to declare bankruptcy because the SEC opened an investigation into its use of unregistered broker-dealers in the course of raising $30M, and it could not raise further funds; in 2012 Neogenix sold its assets to a group of its investors who had formed a company called Precision Biologics.[9]
In 2016, Precision released data from a Phase II trial colorectal cancer and at that time was working with Cytovance Biologics as its contract manufacturing organization.[10]
