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08/12/2003
Positive data on Antisoma’s AS1406 presented at ASH Findings from US National Cancer Institute support Antisomas plans for blood cancer trials
8 December 2003, London, UK: Data presented yesterday at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) meeting show that AS1406 significantly prolongs survival in mice carrying human blood cancers known as lymphomas. The findings support Antisoma's plans to accelerate the progress of AS1406 into clinical trials and to broaden the trials programme to include blood cancer indications as well as solid tumours. These plans were highlighted as one of four key programmes to strengthen Antisoma's pipeline when the Company announced a £15.2 million placing and open offer on 25 November.
The AS1406 studies were carried out by Professor Susanna Rybak at the United States National Cancer Institute under a Collaborative Research and Development Agreement with Antisoma. Dr Nigel Courtenay-Luck, Antisoma's Chief Scientific Officer, presented the findings. In one experiment mice with advanced lymphomas received AS1406 or a control for five days. The drug extended median survival from 33 to 59 days. Whereas all animals had died by day 34 in the control group, more than 20% of those receiving AS1406 were still alive when the experiment ended after 77 days.
AS1406 is the most advanced drug in Antisoma's targeted
apoptosis programme, which combines cancer-targeting antibodies
with enzymes able to trigger the cellular self-destruct pathway
known as apoptosis.
Positive data on AS1406 were previously reported for solid tumours:
in a breast cancer model the drug inhibited the growth of primary
tumours and reduced their capacity to spread to new sites by
metastasis.
Extension of positive findings to a major blood cancer such as
lymphoma broadens the potential application of the drug
considerably.
Professor Susanna Rybak, the lead researcher on the RNase programme said: "Findings in our lymphoma model strongly support the inclusion of blood cancer indications in the forthcoming clinical trials programme for AS1406.”
Glyn Edwards, Chief Executive Officer of Antisoma, added: "Targeted apoptosis is much closer to a magic bullet than most current cancer therapies. We are making good progress in preparing AS1406 for clinical trials and are delighted that work done at the NCI has demonstrated the potential for the drug in the multi-billion dollar lymphoma market.”
Enquiries:
| Antisoma plc | +44 (0)20 8799 8200 | |
| Glyn Edwards, Chief Executive Officer | ||
| Raymond Spencer, Chief Financial Officer | ||
| Nomura International plc | +44 (0)20 7521 2000 | |
| Dave Rasouly | ||
| John Milad | ||
| Financial Dynamics: | +44 (0)20 7831 3113 | |
| Ben Atwell | ||
| Sarah MacLeod |
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