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 The Phase II data results of pertuzumab in combination with chemotherapy in platinum-resistant ovarian cancer were presented at the 2007 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Meeting. A Phase III clinical trial evaluating pertuzumab in combination with Herceptin and chemotherapy for HER2-positive first-line metastatic breast cancer is ongoing.

This molecule is being developed in collaboration with F. Hoffmann-La Roche.

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

March 2008