Procyon Biopharma identifies novel PSP94 binding protein
Tuesday October 26, 8:15 am ET
Preliminary findings suggest that PSP94 Serum-based immunoassay may be of clinical utility for the detection and prognosis of prostate cancer
MONTREAL, Oct. 26 /CNW Telbec/ - Procyon Biopharma Inc. (TSX:PBP - News) announced today that it has reached an important milestone in identifying the PSP94 (Prostate Secretory Protein of 94 amino acids) binding protein, a crucial part of Procyon's assay development technology for prostate cancer diagnosis and prognosis.
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Many scientists have shown that there is a clinical need within prostate cancer management to identify new diagnostic and prognostic markers that are more accurate than the existing tests. In a previous peer-reviewed publication, Procyon's collaborating scientists demonstrated that pre- treatment blood measurements of bound and free PSP94 can accurately separate prostate cancer patients treated with curative intent radiotherapy into "good" and "bad" prognostic groups.
Recent findings at Procyon have been accepted for publication in the Biochemical Journal and are currently available online. In the article entitled: "Identification, purification and characterization of a novel human blood protein with binding affinity for prostate secretory protein of 94 amino acids", Procyon scientists show that PSP94 binds to a novel protein, known as PSPBP, in the serum. The identification of the PSP binding protein has enabled Procyon scientists to develop new simple blood tests that specifically measure the free form of PSP94 (unbound to binding proteins) and the total form of PSP94 (bound and unbound to binding proteins) as well as the total PSP94 binding protein. The determination of the ratio of free PSP94 and PSP94 bound to PSPBP is believed to be correlated with prognosis of prostate cancer.
"We are most pleased with the recent progress of our PSP94 test which shows more than ever the potential to indicate the aggressiveness of prostate cancer," said Hans J. Mader, President and Chief Executive Officer of Procyon Biopharma Inc. "We are currently conducting further studies to assess the utility of PSP94 in the prognosis and diagnosis of prostate cancer. Results of the ongoing studies will be presented next year," he added.
Furthermore, in a study with 1212 patients' plasma samples performed in collaboration with Dr. Robert K. Nam, MD FRCSC, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Division of Urology at the Sunnybrook and Women's College Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Procyon's new PSP94 blood tests were able to differentiate between patients with prostate cancer and patients with benign conditions among patients who underwent a prostate biopsy for prostate cancer. The current gold standard prostate cancer blood test for patients with elevated total PSA levels involves measuring the free PSA and calculating its percentage relative to total PSA. Patients with a low percentage of free PSA are more likely to have prostate cancer than those with a high percentage of free PSA. Procyon's PSP94 blood test was an independently significant test for predicting positive and negative biopsies adjusting for percentage free PSA (p, less than 0.01). Procyon's new PSP94 blood test has the potential to significantly reduce the number of first and repeat prostate biopsies thus reducing the associated cost and morbidity and infection risk. Preliminary results also indicate that PSP94 assays were able to identify patients suffering from a more aggressive disease better than current PSA-based tests.
"New biomarkers for prostate cancer that can both detect cancer beyond PSA and at the same time identify those patients with lethal forms of prostate cancer are needed," said Dr. Robert K. Nam. "As recent literature suggests, the PSA level is not a very accurate tool to diagnose and predict the progression of prostate cancer. The PSP94 Serum-based immunoassay offers an interesting potential new test for this medical concern," he added.
About Procyon Biopharma
Procyon Biopharma Inc. is a biotechnology company actively engaged in the discovery and development of innovative therapeutics in the fields of cancer and HIV/AIDS. The Company leverages its strengths in research and clinical development, bringing products through late-stage clinical trials and then evaluating the best options for further development, such as partnerships and licensing. Procyon's pipeline includes: PCK3145, a non-toxic peptide soon to enter a Phase II North American trial for metastatic hormone-refractory prostate cancer; Fibrostat(R), a topical cream in Phase IIb for the treatment of hypertrophic scars; and PL-100, a protease inhibitor for drug-resistant HIV/AIDS due to enter the clinic in late 2004. The Company also has four additional early-stage product candidates in development. Headquartered in Montreal, Procyon shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the ticker symbol PBP. ( www.procyonbiopharma.com )
This release contains forward-looking statements that reflect the
company's current expectation regarding future events. The forward-
looking statements involve risks 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.
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