Are two binding sites better than one?

PHILADELPHIA-A new study using x-ray crystallography has shown that the investigational agent matuzumab binds to EGFR at a different site than cetuximab (Erbitux). Their binding does not overlap, and they can bind to EGFR at the same time, Kathryn Ferguson, PhD, of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, reported in Cancer Cell (13:365-373, 2008). The finding suggests the possibility of a new combination therapy for certain types of cancer, including colorectal cancer. Matuzumab is being developed by Merck KGaA.