Broad Genomic and Anticancer Activity of Genta's CRE-Decoy Aptamer Presented at AACR/EORTC Symposium Microarray Analysis and Preclinical Treatment Model Reveal Extensive Activity of Decoy Aptamers
BERKELEY HEIGHTS, N.J., Nov 26, 2002 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Genta
Incorporated (Nasdaq: GNTA) announced the presentation and publication of new
data that show broad genomic and preclinical anticancer activity of one of the
Company's key pipeline products, the CRE-decoy aptamer. The results were
presented at the "Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics" symposium in
Frankfurt, Germany, which was jointly sponsored by the American Association for
Cancer Research (AACR), the European Organization for the Treatment of Cancer
(EORTC), and the U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI).
A region of DNA, known as the cyclic AMP response element (CRE), regulates the
function of a number of genes that are critically involved in cancer cell growth
and division. These genes are activated when a complex of proteins (known as
transcription factors) bind to this region of DNA. In collaboration with Genta,
researchers at NCI have developed a DNA-based medicine called the "CRE-decoy
aptamer". This drug binds to and blocks the protein complexes that would
normally turn on genes regulated by CRE, thereby inhibiting cancer cell growth.
Recent studies have shown that this approach is selective for cancer cells
without harming normal cells.
The current study is an extension of prior research that broadly examined the
effects of Genta's CRE-decoy aptamer on more than 1,000 human genes, using a
process known as DNA microarray analysis. When compared with control decoys and
normal liver cells, tumor cells treated with the CRE-decoy showed marked
activation of genes that were known to be involved in cancer cell development,
growth, and differentiation.
The most significant activity was observed in hormone-resistant breast cancer
cells. Based on this analysis, a preclinical model of human breast cancer was
then tested in animals, and the anticancer activity of the CRE- decoy was
compared with tamoxifen, a standard drug used for the treatment of patients with
breast cancer. The CRE-decoy proved markedly superior to tamoxifen in a
dose-related manner. Complete results have been published in the current issue
of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science (USA), which can be viewed
at the following link:
pnas.org
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"This work is a key extension of our ongoing program with aptamer technology,
which addresses a central regulatory gene involved in cancer growth", commented
Dr. Raymond P. Warrell, Jr., Genta's Chief Executive Officer. "We have
identified specific lead compounds from this important pipeline program, and we
look forward to advancing them into late-stage preclinical testing that will
determine their suitability for entry into clinical trials." Genta has a
Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with NCI that supports
this work.
About Genta
Genta Incorporated is a biopharmaceutical company with a diversified product
portfolio that is focused on anticancer therapy. The Company's research platform
is anchored by oligonucleotide chemistry, particularly applications of antisense
and decoy aptamer technology. Genasense(TM), the Company's lead compound, is
being developed in collaboration with Aventis and is currently undergoing
late-stage, Phase 3 clinical testing in several clinical indications. Genta's
pipeline also comprises a portfolio of small molecules, including
gallium-containing compounds and Androgenics compounds for prostate cancer. For
more information about Genta, please visit our website at: genta.com. |
