[SCIO/TGF-beta inhibitor]
Monday March 11, 6:00 am Eastern Time
Press Release
SOURCE: Scios Inc.
Scios Announces New Drug Candidate
SUNNYVALE, Calif., March 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Scios Inc. (Nasdaq: SCIO - news) announced today that it has added a new drug candidate to its pipeline that could become the first oral inhibitor of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta.
``TGF-beta is implicated in a wide range of chronic and acute diseases and our lead compounds have shown efficacy in several disease models,'' commented George Schreiner, M.D., Chief Scientific Officer of Scios. ``This program reflects the continued success of Scios' multi-dimensional research engine. Our research expertise combines protein chemistry, molecular informatics, computational chemistry and gene microarray with a focus on kinases as therapeutic targets. Our multiple small molecule kinase inhibitor programs target large and important medical markets.''
TGF-beta is a multifunctional cytokine, a signaling protein that is produced in a broad range of diseases characterized by unregulated scarring and eventual organ failure. Research has indicated that excessive activation of TGF-beta is involved with driving scar tissue formation, which is thought to contribute to the progressive loss of function seen in a variety of conditions. Diseases in which TGF-beta may play a role include congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, liver cirrhosis and kidney disease. Current therapies for these conditions treat symptoms exclusively or are only modestly effective in slowing disease progression.
Scios has developed novel and potent small molecule inhibitors that are designed to block activation of the TGF-beta receptor. They have been shown to be effective in reducing scar formation or fibrosis when given orally to animals. Scios expects to advance two lead molecules representing different chemical classes through preclinical development and is planning to announce the first medical indication for this new therapeutic class in 2003. In addition, Scios has secured exclusive rights to the TGF-beta receptor that is the basis for its development of small molecule inhibitors.
Scios Inc.
Scios is a biopharmaceutical company that discovered, developed and markets Natrecor®, the first new treatment for acutely decompensated congestive heart failure in more than a decade. Scios has a growing pipeline, including SCIO-469, one of the first oral p38 kinase inhibitors in clinical trials. The Company's disease-based technology platform integrates expertise in protein biology with computational and medicinal chemistry to identify novel targets and rationally design small molecule compounds for large markets with unmet medical needs.
Forward Looking Safe Harbor Disclaimer
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. We generally identify such forward-looking statements using words like ``believe,'' ``intend,'' ``expect,'' ``may,'' ``should,'' ``plan,'' ``project,'' ``contemplate,'' ``anticipate'' or similar statements. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements based on current assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties may include the success of pre-clinical studies and clinical trials of our pipeline products, including SCIO-469 and our inhibitors of the TGF-beta receptor, as well as other risks detailed from time to time in the reports filed by Scios with the SEC, including the Company's quarterly reports and annual report on Form 10-K. Actual results, performance or achievements of Scios may differ significantly from those described in these forward-looking statements. Scios disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any financial projections or forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
SOURCE: Scios Inc. |
