Memgen is a clinical stage biotechnology company dedicated to improving overall survival in cancer patients by activating the power of the human immune system to target cancer cells. Its technology platform is based on discoveries by leaders in the field of hematologic malignancies. Memgen is developing truly effective and non-toxic therapies utilizing key elements of the human immune system engineered to generate host anti-cancer immune responses.

Memgen's lead product, ISF35, is a novel recombinant CD40 binding protein that has demonstrated significant results in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). These results include minimal and transient toxicity, reductions in circulating B lymphocytes and lymph node sizes, and T cell expansion. ISF35 re-sensitizes resistant CLL cells to chemotherapy and, when followed by FCR, can produce long-lasting complete and/or nodular partial remissions in patients with 17p deleted CLL.

Memgen has completed preclinical studies that demonstrate a potential role for ISF35 in the treatment of other malignancies. Because it is a potent immunostimulatory molecule, ISF35 could provide the foundation for therapies directed toward solid tumor cancers such as malignant melanoma, breast, colon, ovarian and lung cancers.

In addition to ISF35, Memgen is developing other members of the TNF family, including TNF-α, Fas ligand, TRAIL and lymphotoxin-α. These molecules have been re-engineered to have the same desirable characteristics found in the ISF35 molecule and are in various stages of clinical development. Memgen's recombinant TNF molecule ISF120 is scheduled to enter clinical trials targeting lung and pancreatic cancers in 2009.

Memgen is seeking corporate partners for the development of its active immunotherapies for the treatment of cancers and certain autoimmune diseases.