InNexus Files for a Significant Expansion to its Intellectual Property for Antibody-Based Targeting of Intracellular Molecules
Thursday March 11
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--InNexus Biotechnology, Inc. today announced the filing of additional continuation-in-parts to its intellectual property, protecting compositions and uses of SuperAntibody Technology for the targeting of intracellular molecules.
In December, 2003, InNexus and its collaborators at Immpheron, Inc., of Lexington, Kentucky and Wright State University School of Medicine, Dayton, Ohio, announced peer-reviewed publication of the discovery that monoclonal antibodies can be used to target intracellular proteins important to the regulation of cellular activities; specifically the process of genetically regulated cell-suicide or apoptosis ("MTS-conjugated, anti-active caspase 3 antibodies inhibit actinomycin D-induced apoptosis", Y Zhao,T L Brown, H Kohler and S. Muller. Apoptosis 8:631-637, 2003). A monoclonal antibody to a key enzyme (caspase 3), involved in the apoptotic cascade, was modified with SuperAntibody technology which imparted the ability to penetrate into cells without incurring toxicity. The modified antibody rapidly entered cells, bound to its target, and inhibited its activity. Thus even with prior exposure of the cells to the toxic, chemotherapeutic drug, actinomycin D, the cells did not die.
The publication pointed to an even broader use of InNexus's cell-penetrating antibodies, that is, their use as an alternative to some small-molecule, drug development. Until now, however, antibodies could only be used to target cell surface molecules. With InNexus's SuperAntibody modification, which is simple and non-toxic, important, intracellular molecules can be targeted with antibodies.
InNexus has now filed additional intellectual property that further protects its SuperAntibody forms that are able to penetrate into cells. The patent is the exclusive property of InNexus and is intended to protect the compositions of matter (actual drug forms) and the indications (clinical uses) for this drug development platform.
Dr. Charles Morgan, President of InNexus commented, "We are especially pleased with the timing of this filing as we are currently dealing with a great deal of interest in the technology from Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical companies. The new uses and drug forms that are protected in this new filing are ones that we will likely be pursuing with partners in the very near future"
About InNexus
InNexus is developing the next generation of therapeutic, monoclonal antibodies using its SuperAntibody Technology Platform. InNexus intends to apply this technology to improve the potency of existing antibody products, targeted to cell-surface antigens, while opening new markets and disease applications with other forms of SuperAntibodies targeting intracellular molecules. InNexus will develop the technology through partnerships with biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies while pursuing development of its own products for unmet medical needs. To learn more about InNexus please visit the Company's website: www.innexusbiotech.com. |
