Competition...
I hope that Russia and China come to life before one of these HCV meds matures...I think Reb's days are numbered. OK, I know, not tomorrow, but...
Anti-Hepatitis C Virus Ribozyme Demonstrates Inhibition of Viral Replication
DALLAS--(BW HealthWire)--Nov. 8, 1999--In a study presented Monday at the AASLD annual scientific conference, a novel approach utilizing a ribozyme to directly attack Hepatitis C virus RNA was shown to inhibit viral replication.
Ribozyme Pharmaceuticals Inc.'s (NASDAQ:RZYM) Dr. Lawrence Blatt, Research vice president, Biopharmacology, showed data that demonstrated highly specific and dramatic inhibition of replication of a chimeric HCV-poliovirus by an Anti-HCV ribozyme in cell culture experiments. These studies indicate that the ribozyme therapeutic has potent antiviral activity and its effects are dependent on a ribozyme mechanism of action. In addition, the Anti-HCV ribozyme is expected to be effective against all known HCV genotypes. RPI anticipates filing an IND for the Anti-Hepatitis C ribozyme with its partner Eli Lilly before the end of 1999.
The Anti-Hepatitis C ribozyme was also reported to demonstrate a synergistic effect when combined with a current therapy, Infergen(TM) (interferon alfacon1), inhibiting viral replication in this model system up to 99%.
In another presentation at the AASLD meeting, Dr. Patrice Lee, Senior Scientist, Pharmacology, described the results of experiments that demonstrated significant uptake of the Anti-HCV ribozyme by liver cells following either subcutaneous or intravenous injection. This presentation was selected for an AASLD President Choice Poster Award.
"These observations demonstrate that ribozymes targeting HCV RNA are able to effectively enter cells and further supports the feasibility of ribozyme therapy in patients with Hepatitis C," said Willis C. Madrey, M.A.C.P., a renowned Hepatologist and Professor of Internal Medicine, UT Southwest Medical Center, Dallas.
Hepatitis C is considered an epidemic in the United States by the Centers for Disease Control, with a four-fold higher prevalence than HIV. Over four million people are infected in the U.S. and 125 million people are reported to be infected worldwide. Chronic infection can lead to liver inflammation, cirrhosis, cancer and death. Current treatment options for patients are limited, clearing virus in only 20-40% of the patients and are associated with serious side effects. The ribozyme approach has the potential to treat all known types of Hepatitis C virus with a benign side effect profile.
Ribozymes are the product of Nobel Prize winning science and are synthetically engineered to act as "molecular scissors" capable of cleaving target RNA in a highly specific manner.
RPI, located in Boulder, Colo., is the acknowledged leader in ribozyme therapeutic development. RPI is partnered with Chiron Corp. and is collaborating on its cancer compound, Angiozyme(TM), an anti-angiogenic ribozyme, which has been shown to stop tumor growth and halt the growth of metastases in pre-clinical models.
Angiozyme is in Phase I/II clinical trials directed by the Cleveland Clinic.
This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risk and uncertainties, and actual events or results may differ materially. These risk factors include actions by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, technological advances, ability to obtain rights to technology, ability to obtain and enforce patents, ability to commercialize and manufacture products and general economic conditions. These and additional risk factors are identified in the company's annual report to the Securities and Exchange Commission filed on forms 10-K/A and in other SEC filings.
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CONTACT:
Ribozyme Pharmaceuticals Inc., Boulder
Ralph E. Christoffersen, Ph.D., 303/449-6500 |
