Description Pertuzumab is a humanized antibody and the first in a new class of agents known as HER dimerization inhibitors (HDIs). HDIs block the ability of the HER2 receptor to collaborate with other HER receptor family members (HER1/EGFR, HER3, and HER4). In cancer cells, interfering with HER2's ability to collaborate with other HER family receptors blocks cell signaling and may ultimately lead to cancer cell growth inhibition and death of the cancer cell. HDIs, because of their unique mode of action, have the potential to work in a wide variety of tumors, including those that do not overexpress HER2.

Development Status A Phase III clinical trial evaluating pertuzumab in combination with Herceptin and chemotherapy for first-line HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer is ongoing. A Phase III clinical trial evaluating pertuzumab for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer is under consideration.

Phase II clinical trials evaluating pertuzumab in combination with Herceptin for neoadjuvant HER2-positive breast cancer, second-line HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer, and in combination with Tarceva for second-line metastatic non-small cell lung cancer are ongoing or planned.

A Phase I/II clinical trial evaluating T-DM1 plus pertuzumab for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer patients who have progressed on Herceptin-based treatment is ongoing.

Additional Information on Clinical Trials For inquiries about our clinical trials, please submit a request through our information request form or call (888) 662-6728.

National Institutes of Health Website: www.clinicaltrials.gov

July 2009