Hi Michael:
I have been wondering where you went to. I sent you a news release from Isis a couple of weeks ago, but recieved no reply. Now i know that you were busy over here working on your fame & fortune.
There have been 3 major press releases concerning Isis Pharmaceuticals so far this month:
1) <August 1st> Isis announced results of studies demonstrating that ISIS 3521/CGP 64128A (Phase 1)inhibited growth of human tumors in animal models of human bladder, lung and colon cancers through an antisense mechanism of action.
2) <August 13> Isis Pharmaceuticals announced that the company has revised its agreement with Eisai Co., Ltd. concerning commercialization of fomivirsen (ISIS 2922), an antisense compound in Phase III clinical trials as a treatment for CMV retinitis in AIDS patients.
3) <August 15> Isis announces results of studies demonstrating that ISIS 3521/CGP 64128A inhibited tumor growth in an animal model of human brain cancer (glioblastoma).
Isis is definately on a roll here. They have had nothing but good news all year. I read a few posts back where you were somewhat skeptical about the new deal with Eisai. According to Stanley Crooke (CEO), gaining control of Fomivirsen was a major goal they had set for 1996. It will allow the drug faster access to the market. Eisai still will get some royalties from the drug and Isis expects no additional net share loss in 1996 from the new agreement.
As for the other two news releases concerning ISIS 3521, they are definately something worth reading. I understand it is too early to know what will eventually become of this drug, but so far everything seems to be going better than expected.
I had a chance to listen in on an interview with Stanley Crooke that he did for DJIN last week (www.DJIN.com) He was upbeat and mentioned the pursuit of a new deal with Eisai at the time. He expects that drug to have NDA submission in early '97. Also, he talked about further strategic corporate partnerships in the future. Basically, he didn't sound at all concerned about getting funding from larger drug companies (almost a given).
The best part of the interview was towards the end where he said larger drug companies should be concerned about such a new revolutionary technology that could make them obsolete. That's not a direct quote, but pretty damn close to what he said. Those are very powerful words.
Anyway, if you've lost interest in Isis, i'm sorry for taking up your time. If you haven't, then i strongly suggest you check out there new website at (www.isip.com) You can also go to DJIN and listen to the interview with the CEO, but you need to download "Real Audio Player" which is free. It turns your PC into a radio...technology is taking us backwards :)
Hope to hear from you soon...
nate |
