News release Apr 3, 2000:
newswire.ca
AEterna presents new data on mechanism of action of AE-941/ Neovastat at the 91st
Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research
SAN FRANCISCO, California, April 4 /CNW/ - AEterna Laboratories Inc.
(TSE: AEL) today announced the presentation of additional data showing that
AE-941/Neovastat blocks the formation of new blood vessels induced by VEGF
``in vitro' (tubulogenesis). Neovastat was also shown to cause complete
disintegration of the blood vessel network in human glioblastoma (a brain
cancer) grafted in mice. Results from these new studies, conducted
respectively by Dr. Leone Tranqui and Dr. Fran‡ois Berger of INSERM, Grenoble,
France, were presented at the 91st Annual Meeting of the American Association
for Cancer Research (AACR) by Professor Richard B‚liveau, Head of Molecular
Oncology Laboratory of the Cancer Research Centre, Sainte-Justine Hopsital in
Montreal, Quebec.
Previous data have shown that Neovastat blocks the two main pathways
involved in angiogenesis by blocking the VEGF (vascular endothelial growth
factor) receptors and by selectively inhibiting matrix metalloproteinases
(MMPs 2, 9 and 12). It was also shown that Neovastat, in the regulation of
VEGF, stops the proliferation of endothelial cells - the building blocks of
new blood vessels. Data from the study presented today, conducted by Dr.
Tranqui, demonstrate that Neovastat not only stops the proliferation of
endothelial cells, but can also stop these cells from organizing and forming
new blood vessels, a phenomenon called tubulogenesis.
``These new results demonstrate that Neovastat has a unique mechanism of
action,' said Dr. B‚liveau. ``By blocking multiple pathways of the
angiogenesis process, Neovastat could have broad applications in a number of
angiogenic-dependent diseases.'
Data presented today, from the ``in vivo' study of the effects of
Neovastat on a human glioblastoma (a brain cancer) grafted in mice, were the
results of a study conducted by Dr. Fran‡ois Berger. The results of this study
showed that Neovastat caused complete disintegration of the blood vessel
network. The tumor mass obtained from Neovastat-treated mice was filled up
with a large quantity of liquid suggesting that Neovastat induced tumor
necrosis. The presence of necrosed tissue inside the tumor indicates that
there was an absence of blood supply inside the tumor.
``The data from this study provides a rationale for further investigation
of the effects of Neovastat on glioblastoma,' said Mr. Yves Rosconi, Senior
Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of AEterna Laboratories.
``Glioblastoma is one of the most vascularized types of tumors and we feel
that this type of cancer might respond well to a multifunctional
antiangiogenic compound like Neovastat.'
UNDERSTANDING ANGIOGENESIS
Angiogenesis is a scientific term for the formation of new blood vessels
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 (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor), migrate
towards the disease that 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.
ABOUT NEOVASTAT
Neovastat, AEterna's angiogenesis inhibitor, is a unique orally
bioavailable antiangiogenic product with multiple mechanisms of action.
Neovastat blocks the two main pathways of angiogenesis, MMPs and VEGF. Most
tumors secrete VEGF, which binds to specific receptor sites on the wall of
blood vessels and triggers the growth of new blood vessels. Recent studies
confirmed that Neovastat contains active components that specifically block
the receptors where VEGF binds. Studies also show that Neovastat regulates the
VEGF-induced proliferation of endothelial cells necessary in the growth of new
blood vessels. In addition, Neovastat has been shown to inhibit the workings
of MMPs, which is involved in breaking down surrounding tissue and creating an
opening for the formation of new blood vessels.
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 more than three years.
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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