Tuesday April 9, 10:14 am Eastern Time
Press Release
SOURCE: Procyon Biopharma Inc.
Novel Potential Therapeutic Role of PSP94 in Metastasis of Prostate Cancer Reported at the AACR - Researchers at McGill University and Procyon Biopharma present data on reduction of hypercalcemia with PSP94
TICKER SYMBOL: PBP (TSE)
MONTREAL, April 9 /CNW/ - Researchers from McGill University, and Procyon Biopharma Inc, Montreal (TSE:PBP - news) reported that new findings suggest a potential role for PSP94 (Prostate Secretory Protein) in reduction of malignancy associated hypercalcemia, in addition to the previously shown effects of the protein on inhibition of hormone resistant prostate cancer in animal studies. The findings were revealed at an oral presentation yesterday at the 93rd American Association For Cancer Research (AACR) meeting in San Francisco.
The research conducted by the group led by Dr. Shafaat Rabbani at McGill in collaboration with scientists at Procyon showed, for the first time, that PSP94 significantly reduced hypercalcemia associated with the production of PTHRP (parathyroid hormone related protein) in rat cancer models. PTHRP, a major cytokine in bone, is secreted in high amounts in several cancers, including lung, breast and prostate cancer and has been implicated as a major pathogenic factor of hypercalcemia as well as osteolysis (bone degeneration). The fast growing rat prostate cancer cell line MatLyLu was transfected with PTHRP cDNA and the transfected cells were then injected into the rat both subcutaneously and in the intracardium which results in metastasis and hind limb paralysis. When the animals were treated with microgram quantities of PSP94 significant lowering in serum calcium levels as well as reduction in hind limb paralysis and inhibition of tumor growth, were observed.
"This is the first time it has been shown that PSP94 has an inhibitory effect on an indicator for cancer metastasis", said Hans Mader, President & CEO of Procyon Biopharma which has developed PSP94 and its peptide analogue PCK3145 for the treatment of hormone refractory prostate cancer. "Prostate cancer when spread to the bone, is one of the most painful and deadly cancers, and we are excited about the potential PSP94 may have in not only treating the primary tumor, but also inhibiting its spread to bones and other organs", he said.
Procyon's drug candidate PCK3145 was recently approved by the U.K. Medicines Control Agency for Phase IIa clinical trials in late stage prostate cancer patients. In January 2002, Procyon entered into a 6-month worldwide exclusive license option agreement with Chiron Corporation to evaluate the PSP94 technology, including a recombinant form of PSP94, for prostate cancer therapy.
Procyon Biopharma Inc. is a publicly listed, Biopharmaceutical Company focused principally on advancing two powerful platform technologies that have the potential to diagnose and treat cancer. Procyon's non-pathogenic Antinucleosome Antibodies (ANAs) bind specifically to multiple cancer cell types strongly enhancing the immune response to cancer cells. Prostate Secretory Protein (PSP94) is a naturally occurring human protein that has the potential to treat prostate cancer by inhibiting abnormal prostate cell growth. In addition, the estimation of PSP94 levels in prostate cancer patients may have prognostic and diagnostic applications. Procyon also has two late-stage products: FIBROSTAT(R), a topical cream for the management of newly formed scars following surgery or burns, which was recently licensed to Biovail Corporation and COLOPATH(R), a rapid, non-invasive screening test for colorectal cancer licensed to IMI.
This release contains forward-looking statements that reflect the
company's current expectation regarding future events. The forward-looking
statements involve risk and uncertainties. Actual events could differ
materially from those projected herein and depend on a number of factors
including, but not limited to, changing market conditions, successful and
timely completion of clinical studies, uncertainties related to the regulatory
approval process, establishment of corporate alliances and other risks
detailed from time to time in the company's filings.
For further information
Procyon Biopharma Inc.: Hans J. Mader, President and CEO, (514) 685-9283, www.procyonbiopharma.com, ir@procyonbiopharma.com
Investor Relations: Renmark Financial Comm. Inc, John Boidman, jboidman@renmarkfinancial.com, (514) 939-3989
Media: Dominic Sicotte, (514) 939-3989, dsicotte@renmarkfinancial.com To request a free copy of this organization's annual report, please go to newswire.ca and click on reports@cnw. |
