Germany-based LINDIS Biotech GmbH announced that it has received market approval from the European Commission (EC) for its Korjuny (catumaxomab), making the trifunctional anti-CD3 x anti-EpCAM antibody (trAb) the only approved therapy for patients with malignant ascites (MA) across Europe.
Drug Background
Catumaxomab was originally discovered by German firm Trion Pharma and co-developed with Fresenius. It became the first T-cell engaging bispecific antibody to be approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in 2009 for the treatment of malignant ascites. However, it was later withdrawn from the market due to commercial reasons. Dr. Horst Lindhofer, the inventor of catumaxomab and primary patent holder, is the founder of Trion Pharma and one of the co-founders of LintonPharm. He also founded Lindis Pharma in Germany, which is continuing the development of catumaxomab.
Market Launch
In Europe, UK-headquartered Pharmanovia holds the exclusive rights to bring catumaxomab to market and is leading its launch across Europe through a licensing deal with LINDIS Bio signed in November of last year.-Fineline Info & Tech
