Very interesting and perhaps important news. These are huge and growing markets.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
StressGen launches new research initiative in allergy and asthma
-preclinical data shows stress proteins work to stop allergic response-
Victoria, British Columbia, September 15, 1999 Ð StressGen Biotechnologies
Corp. (TSE:SSB) today announced that preclinical studies conducted at
independent sites with a potential new stress protein-based allergy and
asthma therapy have prompted the company to provide US$500,000 to fund a
collaborative research program at one of the sites, the National Jewish
Medical and Research Center in Denver, Colorado, a world leader in lung, and
allergic diseases. StressGen has also consolidated its intellectual property
position in the allergy and asthma fields through the acquisition of several
licenses.
"The results we have seen using stress proteins in allergy and asthma models
reinforce our belief in Hsps as potent regulators of the immune system. In
fact, stress proteins may open up an entirely new way of treating these
disorders," said Richard M. Glickman, StressGen's president and CEO. "With
our growing patent portfolio, StressGen is well positioned to dominate the
use of stress proteins in the fields of allergy and asthma."
Glickman added, "Collaborations with global leaders like National Jewish are
part of our strategy to capitalize on the broad potential of our proprietary
stress protein technology while continuing to focus our internal resources
on developing immunotherapeutic products for cancer."
The new program uses stress protein or stress proteins fused to appropriate
antigens, to help stop the immune system of allergic individuals from
overreacting to foreign proteins known as allergens. This overreaction
causes the production of certain cytokines which induce inflammation and the
elevation of IgE, the antibody that mediates immediate allergic inflammatory
symptoms.
In preclinical studies, StressGen's technology has been shown to reduce
levels of the cytokines which fuel allergic reactions. In addition, these
experiments indicate that StressGen's technology lowers IgE levels and
non-specific pulmonary hyperreactivity. This means less congestion and
itchy eyes for allergy suffers and in the case of asthma, reduced
bronchoconstriction, pulmonary inflammation and over-responsiveness to
non-specific irritants.
BACKGROUND
Mechanism
StressGen's approach attempts to address the immune system anomaly that is
the root cause of disease. The Company's stress protein fusion molecules
are believed to modulate the immune system to shift from a humoral (Th2) to
a more appropriate cellular (Th1) response thereby reducing the production
of IgE, and diminishing subsequent allergic inflammatory symptoms mediated
by this antibody. Th2 responses are more appropriate for eliminating
parasites and are an inappropriate response to allergens such as ragweed,
grasses and mold.
In the case of people with asthma, the shift from Th2 to Th1 turns the
immune system away from producing eosinophils. These inflammatory cells are
believed to be a major contributor to the underlying chronic inflammation
that produces hyperreactivity to non-specific stimuli and may result in
airway damage.
Market Overview
Recent estimates indicate that approximately 20% of the U.S. population (40
to 50 million individuals) have allergies. The most prevalent in the U.S.
are allergies to ragweed and grass. There are varying degrees of symptoms to
allergens, mostly runny noses, sneezing and congestion. However, severe
forms of allergy can affect lungs, leading to asthma, a potentially
life-threatening illness.
The prevalence of asthma has almost doubled in the US since 1980. Today,
there are more than 14 million people with asthma resulting in nearly 5,000
deaths a year.
Current Therapy
For allergic reactions, current therapies employ antihistamines alone or in
combination with decongestants to address nasal and ocular symptoms. For
more severe forms, topical steroids are employed.
For asthma, acute symptomatic therapy utilizes bronchodilators with inhaled
steroids. With more severe forms or when acute crises occur, systemic
steroids are employed as well.
StressGen Biotechnologies Corp. is a biopharmaceutical company developing
innovative immunotherapy products to treat cancer and prevent infectious
disease. The Companyùs core technology capitalizes on the ability of stress
proteins to activate the bodyùs immune system to recognize and fight
disease. Through its Biochemical Division, StressGen is also an
internationally recognized supplier of stress protein, protein trafficking,
apoptosis and signal transduction research reagents.
National Jewish is the only medical and research center in the United States
devoted entirely to respiratory, allergic and immune system diseases,
including asthma, tuberculosis, emphysema, severe allergies, AIDS, cancer
and autoimmune diseases, such as lupus. Founded in 1899 as a nonsectarian,
nonprofit hospital for tuberculosis patients, National Jewish enters the
21st century dedicated to enhancing prevention, treatment and cures through
research, and to developing and providing innovative clinical programs.
For the second year in a row, U.S. News and World Report has named National
Jewish Medical and Research Center the #1 Respiratory Hospital in the United
States.
The matters contained in this news release relating to research programs,
beliefs, expectations, and future strategies are forward-looking statements.
StressGen undertakes no obligation to publicly release the results of any
revision to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or
circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of
unanticipated events.
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