Testing of Potential Mesothelioma Treatment Antibody Enters Phase II

Morphotek, Inc., a biopharmaceutical subsidiary of Eisai Corporation of North America, announced recently that it had entered Phase II testing of an antibody, MORAb-009, that has shown promise in the treatment of several cancers, including pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer, and mesothelioma.

MORAb-009 is a monoclonal antibody designed to fulfill two main functions. First, it interferes with the function of the protein mesothelin, commonly found on certain types of cancer cells. According to prior research, mesothelin may be responsible for allowing cancer cells to grow and metastasize. Second, MORAb-009 seeks to stimulate and assist the body's immune system in targeting and destroying mesothelioma cancer cells.

Morphotek's global study is designed to evaluate the efficacy of MORAb-009 in halting the progression of advanced malignant pleural mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer of the body's internal protective lining, the mesothelium. It is caused by exposure to airborne asbestos fibers, which the body is unable to eliminate once inhaled. Over time, the microscopic fibers cause scarring and plaques to develop in the lungs and chest cavity, leading to a number of health problems, including mesothelioma. The cancer itself is often difficult to detect in early stages, taking anywhere from 30-50 years to grow into a detectable form.

The prognosis for mesothelioma patients is strikingly poor; many die within months of initial diagnosis.

Because asbestos was once widely used by a variety of industries, many workers and their families were exposed to the substance without any warning about its long-term effects. Those who worked in construction, shipbuilding, mining, or metalworking are particularly at risk. It is estimated that mesothelioma causes upwards of 2,500 deaths in the United States each year.

Contact Williams Kherkher

The mesothelioma attorneys of Williams Kherkher have been working for and with asbestos victims for over 25 years. Contact us today at 800-781-3955 today for more information on your legal rights.