Looks like they are getting more confident and aggressive...I like it.
SciClone Acquires New Class of Immunomodulators
Potential Orally Active Compounds Covered by New U.S. Patent
SAN MATEO, Calif., Aug. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- SciClone Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: SCLN - news) today reported that the Company has exclusively licensed a unique new class of compounds which boost the immune system. A recently issued United States Patent covers the composition of matter of these compounds as well as their therapeutic use as immunomodulators.
In preclinical studies, the compounds stimulated the immune system in a manner similar to SciClone's lead drug, ZADAXIN®, an injectable drug currently used to fight hepatitis B, hepatitis C and multiple types of cancer. At least one compound in the class, SCV-07, has the potential to be orally active. SciClone licensed the class of compounds from Edward T. Wei, Ph.D. of the University of California, Berkeley.
''We have initially selected SCV-07 for further development as a new generation ZADAXIN. SCV-07 stimulates the immune system, may be orally active and is covered by a new patent,'' said Donald R. Sellers, SciClone's President and Chief Executive Officer. ''We have a growing global position in immunotherapeutics. We intend to leverage this position by adding novel compounds like SCV-07 to our pipeline targeting cancer, infectious diseases and cystic fibrosis.''
So putting some of the 25% growth in revenues to use seems like the management is becoming more confident and perhaps they are setting the stage for some more moves into the US market.
chris |
