Monoclonal antibodies recognizing the epidermal growth factor receptor, cells and methods for their production and compositions containing them

A monoclonal antibody which recognizes human Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) receptor, is capable of inhibiting EGF binding to the receptor, is capable of inhibiting growth of EGF-dependent tumor cells, and in addition has at least one of the following properties: a) has antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, b) has complement-mediated cytotoxic activity, c) is capable of producing a synergetic effect in inhibiting proliferation of tumor cells if combined with a ganglioside, d) is capable of producing a synergetic effect in inhibiting proliferation of tumor cells if combined with a monoclonal antibody against EGF, or a derivative of said monoclonal antibody selected from humanized, chimeric, reshaped, bispecific, conjugated and anti-idiotypic forms of it, or a fragment of said monoclonal antibody or said derivative selected from Fv, Fab, Fab' and F(ab')2 fragments of it. A composition comprising said monoclonal antibody, in particular a pharmaceutical composition for use in a therapeutical or prophylactic treatment of malignant neoplasms or pre-neoplastic diseases. A process for preparing the monoclonal antibody, use of it and an immortalized cell producing it.