Interesting enough to repost the text (g) ?
Oxford, UK, 5 October 2000 - Oxford GlycoSciences plc (LSE:OGS) today
announced the discovery of a novel heparanase gene and its protein (Hpa2),
extending the heparanase gene family, which is a key target for cancer
therapy. Experimental results are detailed in a publication today in
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications of a paper entitled
'Cloning and Expression Profiling of Hpa2, a novel Mammalian Heparanase Family
Member' where OGS scientists describe their progress in the cloning and
expression of human heparanase genes.
OGS also announced its progress in the discovery of a novel series of small
molecule inhibitors of the heparanase enzyme, which are able to block the
growth of tumour cells and the growth of activated blood vessels
(angiogenesis). OGS has filed patent applications claiming genes, proteins,
antibodies, and small molecule inhibitors related to this programme.
Further, OGS is working with Medarex (NASDAQ: MEDX) to develop fully human
monoclonal antibodies against heparanase. OGS expects to use the Medarex T-12
Development programme to rapidly move the antibodies toward clinical
trials. OGS intends to commercialize the fully human antibodies through a
licensing agreement with Medarex, under which it expects to pay Medarex
license fees, milestones and royalties. OGS will retain worldwide commercial
rights to the antibodies. This arrangement with Medarex is in addition to the
multi-target collaboration agreement between OGS and Medarex announced
recently.
Inhibiting and blocking heparanase is indicated in two major areas of cancer
therapy today - reducing angiogenesis, which lowers the blood supply that
feeds the tumour, and reducing metastasis to limit the spread of the tumour.
Agents active against these fundamental cancer processes could have widespread
application in the treatment of many tumour types, including breast, prostate,
colorectal and lung, and represent a potential multi-billion dollar market.
'Targeting heparanase represents a new concept in anti-cancer research,' said
Professor Raj Parekh, Chief Scientific Officer at OGS. 'We are attacking this
on two fronts: with potent and selective small molecule inhibitors emerging
from our medicinal chemistry programme, and with antibodies. We have been
able to move quickly in this important area and believe that our patent
position is comprehensive and strong, covering novel genes, proteins and
inhibitors. This is an example of a growing number of programmes at OGS that
have integrated genomics, proteomics, biology, chemistry and antibody
technology, to minimise the time from target discovery and selection to
product development programmes.'... |
