Press Release Mar. 6, 2000:
newswire.ca
AEterna confirms data on AE-941/Neovastat's mechanism of action at an angiogenesis
symposium - AE-941/Neovastat blocks two main pathways in the angiogenic process
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, March 6 /CNW/ - AEterna Laboratories Inc. (TSE:
AEL) today announced new data that further confirms the properties of its
anti-angiogenesis compound AE-941/Neovastat, which aims to halt the
progression of cancer and other medical conditions by preventing the growth of
new blood vessels that supply diseases with essential nutrients.
The new data demonstrates that Neovastat blocks the VEGF (vascular
endothelial growth factor) signaling pathway-an important part in the
angiogenesis process (the formation of new blood vessels). Results of the
study were presented at the Experimental and Clinical Regulation of
Angiogenesis Keystone Symposium in Salt Lake City, Utah, by Professor Richard
B‚liveau, Head of Molecular Oncology Laboratory of the Cancer Research Centre,
Sainte-Justine Hospital in Montreal, Quebec.
``The results of this study are particularly significant,' said Dr.
Beliveau. ``They demonstrate, when studied in conjunction with our previous
data on Neovastat's anti-MMP activity, that Neovastat has a unique mechanism
of action. By blocking multiple pathways of the angiogenesis process,
Neovastat could have broad applications in a number of angiogenic-dependent
diseases.'
Understanding Angiogenesis
Angiogenesis is crucial to the development of cancer and other diseases.
The process involves developing new blood vessels from existing ones by
creating an opening in the existing blood vessel walls, from which a new blood
vessel can grow. The opening in the blood vessel is created by enzymes called
matrix metalloproteinases or MMPs by breaking down the surrounding tissue. The
walls of blood vessels are made up of endothelial cells which, when activated
by angiogenic proteins such as VEGF, allow the endothelial cells to migrate
towards the disease which sent out the angiogenic signals. The endothelial
cells then divide, and eventually, strings of new endothelial cells organize
into hollow tubes to form a new blood vessel that connects the disease to an
existing network of blood vessels.
From results to date, Neovastat blocks the two main regulators of
angiogenesis - MMPs and VEGF - which are important for the prevention and
containment of tumor growth. The results presented at the symposium also
demonstrate that Neovastat contains active components that specifically
inhibit the action of VEGF. Most tumors secrete VEGF, which binds to specific
receptor sites of nearby blood vessels and stimulates the growth of new blood
vessels. Blocking the receptors where VEGF binds, disables the capacity of
most tumors to form new blood vessels from existing ones and thus deprives the
tumor of the necessary nutrients to grow. The results also show that Neovastat
regulates the VEGF-induced proliferation of endothelial cells necessary in the
growth of new blood vessels.
``These studies confirm that Neovastat interacts at different levels of
the complex angiogenesis process and positions Neovastat as a multifunctional
antiangiogenic agent.' said Dr. Eric Dupont, Chairman, President and Chief
Executive Officer of AEterna.
About AE-941/Neovastat
Neovastat is a novel orally bioavailable antiangiogenic product with
multiple mechanisms of action that block angiogenesis, the formation of new
blood vessels - a necessary element in the development of cancer and other
medical disorders. Neovastat's proposed method of action includes the
inhibition of the enzyme matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), as well as
interaction with the VEGF receptor sites to prevent the reception of
angiogenic signals from cancerous cells. Preclinical and clinical data suggest
that Neovastat has an effect on diseases that are dependent on angiogenesis.
These data have also demonstrated an excellent safety profile in the treatment
of targeted diseases such as cancer, psoriasis and age-related macular
degeneration. Neovastat has already been given to more than 540 patients with
various diseases. Some have taken the treatment for as long as three years.
Furthermore, Neovastat treatment is entering two Phase III trials in the first
quarter of this year for the treatment of lung cancer and kidney cancer.
About AEterna
AEterna Laboratories Inc. is a Canadian biopharmaceutical company focused
on the development of new therapies to treat a variety of conditions,
principally cancer. AEterna's lead compound, Neovastat, is an angiogenesis
inhibitor being investigated in three major therapeutic areas: oncology,
dermatology and ophthalmology. The company also owns 77.8% of Atrium
Biotechnologies Inc., a leader in the development of active ingredients used
in cosmetics and nutrition products.
AEterna is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol AEL.
AEterna's news releases and additional information are available on its
Web site at www.aeterna.com.
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For further information: Janet Craig, Director of Corporate
Communications and Investor Relations, Bus: (418) 652-8525, Fax: (418)
652-0881, E-mail: janetacraig@home.com
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