HUGS Genomic Drug for Cardiovascular Disease:
Genomic Derived Drug for Cardiovascular Disease in Human Trials
Human Genome Sciences' Collaborator GlaxoSmithKline Describes Human Trials of a Lead Compound
Conference Call Scheduled
ROCKVILLE, Md., Feb. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Human Genome Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: HGSI - news) confirmed today that GlaxoSmithKline described results of a human trial demonstrating that a new compound, SB-435495, discovered as part of its collaboration with HGS, lowers levels of Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), an enzyme associated with formation of atherosclerotic plaques.
David Stump, M.D., Senior Vice President of Drug Development, said, ``As a specialist trained in cardiovascular disease working at HGSI, I am doubly delighted with this news. Inhibition of Lp-PLA2 constitutes an important new avenue to the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. It is especially pleasing that the discovery of this drug was enabled by a partnership between GlaxoSmithKline and Human Genome Sciences. To me, this study shows how the genomic approach to small molecule drug discovery can lead to a potential new class of drugs for the treatment of an important disease of man.''
Dr. Stump continued, ``Inflammation has recently emerged as an important contributing factor to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. The enzyme Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 binds low density lipoprotein and mediates LDL-associated vascular inflammation. Drugs that inhibit Lp-PLA2 may reduce the risk of atherosclerotic plaque formation and cardiovascular disease.''(1)(2)
Craig A. Rosen, Executive Vice President of Research and Development of HGS, said, ``It has been a pleasure to work with the scientists at GlaxoSmithKline in identifying the Lp-PLA2 target. Scientists at GlaxoSmithKline Beecham recognized the potential importance of Lp-PLA2 for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. They sought a means to obtain large quantities of the Lp-PLA2 enzyme. Their scientists were quick to use the sequence information we supplied as part of our collaboration to obtain this active enzyme that in turn has enabled the discovery of this new class of exciting drugs.''
William A. Haseltine, Ph.D., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of HGS, said, ``We are very pleased that our partner, GlaxoSmithKline has begun human trials of a lead compound discovered using a target derived from our collaboration. Cardiovascular disease is a major health problem worldwide. We are proud to have contributed to a new therapeutic approach to the control and treatment of this serious disease. I believe that this example will prove to be a classic in the use of genomics information to provide new drugs for the treatment and cure of many ills of mankind.''
Arthur M. Mandell, Senior Vice President and Chief Business Officer of HGS, noted, ``It is exciting that GlaxoSmithKline has described results of human trials of a lead compound derived from the collaboration with Human Genome Sciences. As the trials progress on this class of compounds, our company will benefit from milestone payments related to clinical progress. Should a drug be commercialized for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, Human Genome Sciences is due significant royalties. Our company also has an option to co-promote an approved drug in the North American and European markets.''
Mr. Mandell continued, ``GlaxoSmithKline has also exercised its exclusive rights to develop diagnostic tests to Lp-PLA2. These tests will be commercialized by DiaDexus. Human Genome Sciences will receive additional royalty payments should these tests reach the market.''
Human Genome Sciences will conduct a conference call on Tuesday, February 27, 2001, at 2:30 pm Eastern to discuss GlaxoSmithKline's announcement that it has placed SB-435495 into human testing. This call will be hosted by William A. Haseltine, Ph.D., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of HGS. Investors may listen to the call by dialing 800-289-0494 or 913-981-5520, passcode 418999, shortly before the start of the call. A replay of the call will be available by dialing 719-457-0820, passcode 418999 from until Midnight Eastern on Friday, March 2, 2001
Human Genome Sciences is a company with the mission to treat and cure disease by bringing new gene-based drugs to patients.
HGS and Human Genome Sciences are registered trademarks of Human Genome Sciences, Inc. For additional information on Human Genome Sciences, Inc., visit the company's web site at hgsi.com . Copies of HGS press releases are also available by fax 24 hours a day at no charge by calling 800-758-5804, ext. 121115. |
