Early Clinical Results Suggest Genasense(TM) May Be Useful for Patients With Highly Resistant Multiple Myeloma Two Presentations at ASH Meeting Support Activity of Genasense In Plasma Cell Cancers
PHILADELPHIA, Dec 10, 2002 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Genta
Incorporated (Nasdaq: GNTA) in collaboration with Aventis (NYSE: AVE), announced
the presentation of two studies that support the activity of Genasense(TM) in
two types of plasma cell cancers known as multiple myeloma and Waldenstrom's
macroglobulinemia. These results were presented on Monday at the 44th annual
meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) in Philadelphia, PA.
The first study reported preliminary results using Genasense in combination with
a standard chemotherapy regimen called "VAD" (which consists of vincristine,
adriamycin and high-dose dexamethasone). A key component of this trial was that
eligible patients had to have already received and progressed on VAD therapy.
Therefore, this study represented a "resistance reversal" approach. To date, 5
patients are fully evaluable; all 5 had failed VAD, plus high-dose chemotherapy
and a stem cell transplant, and 4 of the 5 had also progressed on thalidomide.
Despite this extensive pre-treatment, 3 of the 5 patients achieved a partial
response with Genasense/VAD. The median duration of response currently exceeds 6
months. One additional patient achieved stabilization of disease. Serial
measurements showed that Bcl-2 protein (i.e., the target of Genasense therapy)
was decreased in patients' blood cells. Other than fatigue, side effects did not
appear different from those expected from VAD chemotherapy alone.
In a second preclinical study, Genasense was evaluated in experiments using
human cells of Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (WM), a disease that is similar
to myeloma. Genasense used alone decreased Bcl-2 protein within these cells,
which was correlated with an increase in cell death (apoptosis). Moreover,
Genasense also amplified the killing of WM cells when used in combination with
rituximab (Rituxan(R); IDEC/Genentech), fludarabine, and dexamethasone. Maximal
cell death with these combinations also correlated with the time that Bcl-2 was
maximally decreased.
"Together, these studies provide several important insights," commented Dr.
Raymond P. Warrell, Jr. MD, Genta's Chief Executive Officer, who noted: "First,
the most active component of VAD is now felt to be high-dose dexamethasone.
While we have not focused on "resistance reversal" strategies as a registration
strategy, these early clinical data clearly suggest that dexamethasone
resistance can be modified by Genasense. Thus, these results directly support
our Phase 3 trial of Genasense with high-dose dexamethasone in myeloma that
should complete its target enrollment this month. Second, earlier this year we
initiated new clinical trials using Genasense plus Rituxan, and -- together with
the National Cancer Institute -- we are planning to initiate a new clinical
trial in patients with Waldenstrom's. Lastly, fludarabine is a key component of
our ongoing Phase 3 trial in CLL. Thus, the further documentation of Bcl-2
down-regulation in lymphoid cells, which synergistically increases the
cytotoxicity of fludarabine, is further evidence of the contribution that
Genasense may make to enhancing the effectiveness of current anticancer
therapy."
About Multiple Myeloma and Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia
Multiple myeloma and Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia are cancers that arise in
blood cells (called plasma cells) that normally reside in the bone marrow.
Plasma cells are important because they normally produce antibodies that fight
off infections. When cancer develops in plasma cells, these cells markedly
increase in number, which can cause severe bone pain and fractures; however,
their ability to produce antibodies is actually greatly reduced. Therefore,
people with these conditions are highly susceptible to infections. Malignant
plasma cells are known to contain a high amount of Bcl-2 protein, which is
targeted by Genasense. Further information about these diseases can be found at
the website of the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation:
206.204.218.38.
About Genasense
Genasense(TM) works by inhibiting the production of Bcl-2, a protein made by
cancer cells that is thought to block chemotherapy-induced cell death. By
reducing the amount of Bcl-2 in cancer cells, Genasense may enhance the
effectiveness of current anticancer treatments. Genasense is currently in
multiple, late-stage, randomized clinical trials in patients with malignant
melanoma, multiple myeloma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and non-small
cell lung cancer.
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 |
