Mater Medical Research Institute scientists have developed a monoclonal antibody against a tumour antigen specific for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). Current cytotoxic chemotherapy is not suitable for elderly patients; and another antibody-toxin conjugate therapy, Mylotarg (Wyeth), cross-reacts with some haematopoietic progenitor cells. MMRI’s antibody marker, CD300f, is the subject of filed patent applications for its use in diagnosis and treatment in AML and other conditions. It has the potential to enhance specificity for AML, leading to an improved side-effect profile compared to existing therapies.

• Licensee