LONDON and BOSTON, May 4, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Cancer drug developer Antisoma plc (LSE:ASM) yesterday presented preclinical data showing the strong anti-cancer potential of its aptamer drug AS1411 (formerly AGRO100):
-- In a pancreatic cancer model, a combination of AS1411 with
gemcitabine was significantly more effective in slowing tumour
growth than gemcitabine alone
-- AS1411 was shown to accumulate rapidly in lung cancer xenografts,
reaching a level at least nine times that seen in any normal
tissue after one hour's dosing
-- AS1411 was effective in killing cancer cells from prostate, lung
and acute myeloid leukemia lines.
The data were presented by Antisoma's Head of Research, Professor Lloyd Kelland, at the TIDES meeting, which focuses on the expanding areas of oligonucleotide and peptide-based therapies. The work reported was conducted at Antisoma's laboratory and in Louisville, where Antisoma is collaborating with the inventors of AS1411, Drs. Bates, Trent and Miller of the University of Louisville, Kentucky.
Seventeen patients have been treated with AS1411 in a phase I trial at the Brown Cancer Center in Louisville, and results from this trial will be presented at ASCO on May 15.
Speaking after his presentation, Professor Kelland said: "The data presented at TIDES show the ability of AS1411 to target tumours specifically and to act against a variety of cancers when used alone or in combination with other drugs. We look forward with excitement to the continuation of clinical trials."
Except for the historical information presented, certain matters discussed in this statement are forward looking statements that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. These risks and uncertainties may be associated with product discovery and development, including statements regarding the company's clinical development programmes, the expected timing of clinical trials and regulatory filings. Such statements are based on management's current expectations, but actual results may differ materially.
Notes to Editors
AS1411
AS1411 is an aptamer, an oligonucleotide that can fold into a stable, three-dimensional structure capable of interacting with a particular target protein. AS1411 binds with high-specificity to the protein nucleolin, which is found on the surface of cancer cells. When AS1411 binds to cell-surface nucleolin, it is internalised and has been shown to kill cancer cells in a range of models.
Background on Antisoma
Based in London, U.K., Antisoma is a biopharmaceutical company that develops novel products for the treatment of cancer. Antisoma fills its development pipeline by acquiring promising new product candidates from internationally recognised academic or cancer research institutions. Its core activity is the preclinical and clinical development of these drug candidates. In 2002, Antisoma formed a broad strategic alliance with Roche to develop and commercialise products from Antisoma's pipeline. Please visit www.Antisoma.com for further information about Antisoma.