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MediGene and German Cancer Research Center to Develop Antibody against Ovarian Cancer


WEBWIRE

Martinsried/Munich – San Diego, July 6, 2006. The German-American biotech company MediGene AG (Frankfurt, TecDAX) and the German Cancer Research Center (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum = DKFZ) in Heidelberg announced the initiation of a cooperation today. Purpose of this cooperation is the therapeutic development of monoclonal antibodies against the ovarian cancer protein L1. After termination of the cooperation which is scheduled for a period of two years, MediGene will have the option to acquire an exclusive worldwide license on the application of anti-L1 antibodies in anti-tumor therapy.

The L1 protein highly specifically occurs on the cell surfaces of malignant ovarian and endometrial tumors (ovarian and uterine cancer), whereas it is not found in the respective healthy tissue or benign tumors. For this reason, this protein is especially suited as a new tumor marker in diagnostics and therapy. Professor Altevogt’s research team at the DKFZ has already developed antibodies against L1 and proved their anti-tumor activities in an animal model. Within the scope of the cooperation now initiated, the antibodies’ mode of action is to be examined and clinical testing is to be prepared.

Dr. Peter Heinrich, Chief Executive Officer of MediGene AG, comments: “As a new marker, L1 provides an opportunity to close a wide gap in ovarian cancer therapy. Our cooperation with the DKFZ in the development of L1 antibodies will allow access to this very promising technology, offering an opportunity for us to add another attractive drug candidate to MediGene’s development pipeline.”

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements contained herein represent the judgement of MediGene as of the date of this release. These forward-looking statements are no guarantees for future performance, and the forward-looking events discussed in this press release may not occur. MediGene disclaims any intent or obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements. MediGeneTM is a trademark of MediGene AG.

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MediGene AG is a publicly quoted (Frankfurt: TecDAX), German-American biotechnology company located in Martinsried, Germany and San Diego, USA. MediGene is the first German biotech company with a drug on the market. The NDA for a second drug, Polyphenon® E Ointment, has been submitted. In addition, MediGene has several oncological drug candidates undergoing clinical development, and possesses innovative platform technologies for drug development. MediGene’s core competence lies in research into and development of novel approaches for the treatment of various cancer and tumor diseases.



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