Currently up about 20% on today's news. Not a proponent of the company, I'm interested in learning more about their catalytic antioxidants. Note also that they've been making news for a STEM-like project with liver stem cells......
Wednesday September 6, 9:13 am Eastern Time
Press Release
SOURCE: Incara Pharmaceuticals Corporation
Incara Announces Patent on Small-Molecule
Antioxidants; Catalytic Antioxidants Active in Preclinical Models of
Stroke, Reperfusion Injury
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., Sept. 6 /PRNewswire/ --
Incara Pharmaceuticals Corporation (Nasdaq: INCR - news) today announced issuance of the U.S. patent for
``Oxidoreductase Activity of Manganic Porphyrins.'' Incara licenses the patent from Duke University as part of a research
collaboration in the field of antioxidants. The oxidoreductase activity described in the patent represents a novel mechanism of
action for certain small molecules acting as catalytic antioxidants and is an extension of Incara's ongoing small molecule
antioxidant research and development program.
Incara's small molecule antioxidants catalytically degrade the free radicals superoxide and peroxynitrite. Free radicals cause cell
damage by reacting with proteins, lipids and DNA. Scientists believe that damage caused by free radicals plays a role in many
diseases, including stroke and inflammatory diseases.
In preclinical models of stroke, Incara's lead catalytic antioxidant molecule, AEOL 10113, has consistently demonstrated
dramatic reduction in infarct size. Significant reduction of infarct volume was found even when the compound was administered
as late as 7.5 hours after the onset of ischemia. AEOL 10113 has also been shown to exert a protective effect in preclinical
models of liver and cardiac ischemia and reperfusion injury.
Incara's catalytic antioxidant program was founded by Irwin Fridovich, Ph.D. of Duke University School of Medicine, the
co-discoverer of the endogenous antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase, and James D. Crapo, M.D. of National Jewish
Medical and Research Center, a pulmonologist and antioxidant researcher.
``Our latest catalytic antioxidants are more active than the natural SOD enzyme on a weight basis,'' said Dr. Fridovich. ``Their
ability to penetrate cells and tissues could make them effective antioxidants for therapeutic applications.''
``We believe that our catalytic antioxidants have great potential in the treatment of human disease,'' said Clayton I. Duncan,
Chairman and CEO of Incara Pharmaceuticals. ``We plan to start clinical trials in stroke next year.''
Incara Pharmaceuticals Corporation (http://www.incara.com ) is developing a diversified portfolio of proprietary therapies
oriented to major advances in treatment of diseases afflicting large patient populations. The Company's three current programs
include liver precursor cell therapy for the treatment of liver failure, an ultra-low molecular weight heparin for the treatment of
inflammatory bowel disease and catalytic antioxidants for treatment of stroke, reperfusion injury and chronic bronchitis.
The statements in this press release that are not purely statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, and actual
results may differ materially from those anticipated. These statements and other statements made elsewhere by the Company or
its representatives, which are identified or qualified by words such as ``likely,'' ``will,'' ``suggests,'' ``expects,'' ``might,'' ``may,''
``believe,'' ``could,'' ``should,'' ``would,'' ``anticipates,'' ``plans'' or similar expressions, are based on a number of assumptions
that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause results to differ include uncertainties of scientific
research, risks associated with the need to obtain funds for operations, clinical trials and product development activities. These
and other important risks are described in Incara's reports on Form S-1, Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements,
which speak only as of the date hereof. The Company assumes no obligation to update the information in this release.
SOURCE: Incara Pharmaceuticals Corporation |
