PORTLAND, Ore., Nov 9, 1999 (BW HealthWire) --
Data presented at national kidney conference shows AVI antisense
compound significantly slowed progression of polycystic kidney
disease.
AVI BioPharma, Inc. (Nasdaq:AVII)(Nasdaq:AVIIW), in collaboration
with the University of Kansas Medical Center, has slowed the
progression of a human model of polycystic kidney disease in research
tests.
The collaborators presented their study results at the American Society
of Nephrology meeting in Miami Beach, Florida.
This is the first time a scientific team has presented data showing
that this destructive disease can be slowed or halted. At the
conference, Vincent H. Gattone, II, Ph.D., from the University of
Kansas presented the benefits of AVI's proprietary antisense technology
in the treatment of polycystic kidney disease. This disease is the most
common inherited disease in man. The disease causes the kidneys to grow
abnormally large and fill with many cysts, often leading to kidney
failure.
"There is no therapeutic intervention currently available for slowing
the progression of this devastating disease," said Gattone, the
principal investigator of the study. "In our work, we are trying to
determine if an antisense oligonucleotide approach can provide a viable
treatment for those afflicted with the disorder."
The results presented show that AVI's proprietary antisense technology,
NeuGenes(R), significantly reduced the number and size of the cysts and
improved kidney function without adverse effects on body growth or
blood formation.
Most human disease arises from genes that are malfunctioning such as
one's own genes, or genes from infectious agents. AVI's proprietary
gene-targeting technology works by stopping the malfunctioning gene's
disease-causing actions. In this study, the genetic sequence targeted
was c-myc, a gene responsible for initiating cell replication.
Denis R. Burger, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of AVI
BioPharma Inc., said "These results are an important step in the
development of drugs capable of treating diseases that result from
genetic abnormalities. On a broader front, this research is
representative of the type of results we are seeing throughout our
antisense development program that is exploring the ability of NeuGenes
to halt cell proliferation in a variety of diseases including
restenosis and cancer."
The study was conducted in a mouse model of human infantile polycystic
kidney disease. The paper was titled, "C-myc Antisense Oligonucleotide
Treatment Ameliorates Murine Infantile Polycystic Kidney Disease."
AVI BioPharma, Inc. is dedicated to the development and
commercialization of products for the treatment of life-threatening
diseases. In these efforts, the company is using two technology
platforms: immunotherapy for cancer, and gene-targeted drugs. Its lead
clinical agent, Avicine(TM), an essentially non-toxic cancer vaccine,
will soon enter a Phase III licensing trial in colorectal cancer and a
Phase II trial in prostate cancer. AVI is currently conducting a Phase
II trial of Avicine in pancreatic cancer. Additionally, the company
expects to file an Investigational New Drug Application for Resten-NG,
its antisense technology for the treatment of restenosis, later this
year."
"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995. The statements that are not historical facts contained in
this release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and
uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the results of research
and development efforts, the results of pre-clinical and clinical
testing, the effect of regulation by the FDA and other agencies, the
impact of competitive products, product development, commercialization
and technological difficulties, and other risks detailed in the
Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings.
Copyright (C) 1999 Business Wire. All rights reserved.
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CONTACT: AVI BioPharma, Inc.
Denis R. Burger/Alan P. Timmins, 503/227-0554
OR
Noonan/Russo Communications (Investor Relations)
Judy Brenna, 212/696-4455
OR
Young & Roehr Group (Media Contact)
Ellen Berg, 503/222-0626
eberg@young-roehr.com
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MEDICAL
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