Tuesday March 5, 11:25 am Eastern Time
Press Release
SOURCE: Alteon Inc.
Alteon Compounds Demonstrate Benefit in Filtration and Angiogenesis In Peritoneal Dialysis Preclinical Study
RAMSEY, N.J., March 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Findings from a preclinical study of two of Alteon's investigational drugs support the company's ongoing development of a treatment for the critically ill population of end-stage renal disease patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis. At the 22nd Annual Conference on Peritoneal Dialysis, which is being held in conjunction with the Annual Conference of Dialysis in Tampa, Florida, researchers presented findings that demonstrated beneficial effects of A.G.E. Crosslink Breaker ALT-711 and A.G.E. Inhibitor pimagedine on the structure and function of the peritoneum (a membrane in the abdomen) in a rat peritoneal infusion model.
Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a method of dialysis that uses the patient's peritoneum to filter out waste products. PD works on the same principle as hemodialysis, but the blood is cleaned while inside the body rather than through a machine. PD solutions are usually high in glucose concentration. High glucose concentration in humans is associated with the progressive formation of Advanced Glycosylation End-products (A.G.E.s) that damage organ function. In the case of the peritoneum, A.G.E.s contribute to the development of abnormal fibrous tissue and reduce its ability to filter fluids through the membrane, leading to failure of the PD procedure. Alteon's compounds have been shown to reverse or inhibit the A.G.E. process and medical conditions arising from the formation of A.G.E.s.
``Effects of an advanced glycation endproduct crosslink breaker and inhibitor on peritoneal morphology and function in a rat peritoneal infusion model'' was conducted by a research team led by Machteld Zweers, MSc, in the laboratories of Raymond Krediet, M.D., of the Department of Nephrology, Academic Medical Center, University Amsterdam, The Netherlands. The researchers investigated whether the development of peritoneal fibrosis due to A.G.E. formation and angiogenesis could be blocked or inhibited by treatment with ALT-711 and pimagedine. A total of 29 rats were infused daily with peritoneal dialysis solution over a 20-week period, including a control group, a group receiving ALT-711, a group receiving pimagedine, and a group receiving a combination of treatments. The investigators found significantly fewer newly formed blood vessels in either of the treatment groups, as compared to the controls, indicating a reduction in angiogenesis. This was accompanied by a decrease in the transport of large molecules such as albumin and immunoglobulins. Results also indicated that both ALT-711 and pimagedine reduced fibrosis of the peritoneum caused by long-term treatment with peritoneal dialysis solution. These results suggest potential therapeutic benefits to this patient population if treated with either of Alteon's novel compounds.
ALT-711, Alteon's lead A.G.E. Crosslink Breaker, is currently in a Phase I clinical study in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who are undergoing peritoneal dialysis. ESRD is a condition in which the kidneys no longer function, resulting in an increase of waste products in the body. Latest statistics show that almost 25,000 of the 400,000 Americans living with ESRD are undergoing peritoneal dialysis. This patient population has a limited 5-year survival (less than 30%) and significant cardiovascular complications, including left ventricular hypertrophy.
About Alteon
Alteon is developing several new classes of drugs that reverse or slow down diseases of aging and complications of diabetes. These compounds impact a fundamental pathological process caused by protein-glucose complexes called Advanced Glycosylation End-products (A.G.E.s). The formation and crosslinking of A.G.E.s are an inevitable part of the aging process that lead to a loss of flexibility and function in body tissues, organs and vessels. The company is initially developing therapies for cardiovascular and kidney diseases in older or diabetic individuals.
Alteon has created a library of novel classes of compounds targeting the A.G.E. Pathway. These include A.G.E. Crosslink Breakers, A.G.E. Formation Inhibitors and Glucose Lowering Agents. The Company's lead A.G.E. Crosslink Breaker ALT-711 is being evaluated in the Phase IIb SAPPHIRE clinical trial focused on systolic hypertension, and the Phase IIb SILVER trial in systolic hypertension with left ventricular hypertrophy. The compound is also under Phase I investigation in end-stage renal disease patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis, a patient population that has significant cardiovascular disease. Other A.G.E. compounds are being evaluated for skin aging, as well as additional human and animal health indications. For more information on Alteon, visit the company's web site at www.alteonpharma.com.
Any statements contained in this press release that relate to future plans, events or performance are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties [snip] |
