ConjuChem Resumes DAC(TM):GLP-1 Clinical Program, Provides Updates
Thursday February 20, 8:15 am ET
- Formulation issue resolved, positive preliminary Phase I results -
MONTREAL, Feb. 20 /CNW/ - ConjuChem Inc. (TSX:CJC - News) today announced it has resolved the formulation issues which interrupted the Company's DAC(TM):GLP-1 clinical program. The Company resumed its single-dose Phase I/II trial on February 20, 2003 and is planning to commence a multi-dose trial later in March 2003.
ConjuChem also reported preliminary results from the DAC(TM):GLP-1 Phase I healthy volunteer protocol. A review of the data showed a single dose of DAC(TM):GLP-1 had, on average, a 10 to 12 day half-life. As well, the compound demonstrated good tolerability among the healthy volunteer population and produced encouraging insulin and glucose responses in the higher dose range. ConjuChem expects to report top-line preliminary data from patients before the end of the first half of this year.
"This initial clinical data supports our expectations that a weekly injection of DAC(TM):GLP-1 will be able to control blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes," said Dr. Jean-Paul Castaigne, Vice President, Development & Chief Scientific Officer of ConjuChem. "We are delighted to have this exciting compound back on track."
The GLP-1 class of drug is broadly recognized as one of the most promising future treatments for type 2 diabetes, with an estimated market potential of more than US$6 billion.
About GLP-1
GLP-1, the body's most potent insulinotropic hormone is a naturally occurring 30 amino acid peptide. GLP-1 and GLP-1 analogues have been shown to normalize blood glucose levels by a) enhancing glucose dependent insulin secretion; b) reducing peripheral insulin resistance; c) slowing down gastric emptying; d) decreasing glucagon secretion; and e) acting as a natural growth factor on Beta cells. Moreover, GLP-1 and GLP-1 analogues appear to have a very attractive safety profile, with, for example, a low probability of inducing hypoglycaemia. GLP-1 and related analogues have also been shown to promote moderate weight loss. However, the half-life of GLP-1 is only about 5 minutes, as it is simultaneously degraded by serum enzymes and cleared through renal excretion.
About ConjuChem
ConjuChem, the albumin bioconjugation company, is developing long-acting therapeutic compounds based on bioconjugation platform technologies. When applied to peptides, the Company's systemic DAC(TM) technology enables the creation of new drugs with significantly enhanced therapeutic properties as compared to the original peptide. The Company's platform technologies are focused on various therapeutic areas.
Detailed descriptions of the Company can be viewed on the Company's website www.conjuchem.com.
For further information
Please contact: Dr. Jean-Paul Castaigne Vice President, Development & CSO, ConjuChem Inc., (514) 844-5558 ext 223, castaigne@conjuchem.com
Lennie Ryer, CA, Vice President Finance, CFO, ConjuChem Inc., (514) 844-5558 ext 224, ryer@conjuchem.com
Michael Polonsky, Investor Relations, (416) 815-0700 ext. 231, (416) 815-0080, mpolonsky@equicomgroup.com |
