Patients - Worldwide
What is nimotuzumab?
Nimotuzumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody (mAb) that targets the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a key target in the development of cancer therapeutics. EGFR-targeting drugs have been shown to improve response when used with conventional treatments such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
Nimotuzumab: Proposed Mechanism of Action 
(video best viewed with sound)
How does nimotuzumab work?
Nimotuzumab targets a receptor on cellular surfaces that governs cell division and growth. In normal cells, the EGFR is expressed at low levels and its activity is highly regulated. However, in cancerous disease the EGFR frequently becomes over-expressed and its regulation disrupted causing the receptor to be inappropriately activated, which results in uncontrolled growth of cells and the formation of tumors.
Nimotuzumab, a member of the class of drugs called monoclonal antibodies, has been developed specifically to block EGFR activity on malignant cells over-expressing the receptor, thereby blocking tumor growth.
Clinical trials with nimotuzumab
Nimotuzumab is being studied worldwide in clinical trials targeting multiple types of cancer. Nimotuzumab is approved in certain countries for the treatment of head and neck cancers and/or glioma, but is not approved in the
Nimotuzumab is being studied in clinical trials in the following tumor types:
-
Lung Cancer
-
Glioma (Brain Cancer) - Pediatric and Adult
-
Esophageal Cancer
-
Pancreatic Cancer
-
Prostate Cancer
-
Gastric Cancer
-
Cervical Cancer
-
Hepatic Carcinoma
-
Breast Cancer
Availability of nimotuzumab
-
Nimotuzumab is approved
-
Nimotuzumab is available through participation in ongoing clinical trials. Contact YM BioSciences at
(905) 629-9761 or our global licensees for more information. -
Nimotuzumab is available through physician requests in some countries. Contact YM Biosciences for further information at (905) 629-9761.