Peter:
MMPIs are a small part of angiogenesis research. Companies to look at (considering that the question related to Techniclone and thus to cancer) are Genentech (VEGF and anti-VEGF), ImClone (anti-VEGFR), Scios (bFGF and anti-bFGF), EntreMed (various), Regeneron (Ang-1 and Ang-2), Repligen (long-shot, but well worth the look for other reasons) and Sugen (downstream signal from VEGF receptor) in addition to AGPH and BBIOY. I just attended the IBC conference on angio in San Francisco in July. I also just finished an article for Microsoft Investor, which may be out soon.
It's a messy field, but I think you some bang for your buck from REGN and RGEN, and these are complemented by class acts at GNE and SCIO. I don't see any big near-term payoffs, but the hype is hot and heavy. BBIOY is furthest along, but they have significant side-effect issues. EntreMed makes the most noise and they have some potent peptides that work great in preclinical models.
Tumor necrosis therapy is based on the fact that new blood vessels don't ordinarily form in adults with the exception of ovary and uterus. Therefore, new vasculature that feeds tumors contains rather unique tumor-associated markers on budding endothelial cells. Techniclone and Corvas (vascular targeting, but not TNT) are the companies to look at here, but Techniclone and Lon Stone sort of have a "dragging our feet" past. At very least look at Corvas if you're interested in Techniclone's program, just so you can compare/contrast.
In contrast, angiogenesis *induction* is more straightforward, IMO. GNE and SCIO are the best players here.
Can't take more time......... computer problems, and I'm on a back-up.
Cheers! Rick |
