deCODE Advancing Lead Product Development Programs
Monday January 8, 6:49 am ET
Completes latest clinical trials for heart attack, anti-platelet compounds, preparing to launch first DNA-based diagnostic test
REYKJAVIK, Iceland, Jan. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- deCODE genetics (Nasdaq: DCGN - News) today provided an update on recent progress in its lead product development programs. The company will provide additional details on its programs, upcoming milestones and financial outlook in its webcast presentation to be delivered at the JP Morgan Healthcare Conference on Thursday, January 11, at 11:30am PST/2:30pm EST.
deCODE's lead programs include:
* DG041. In late December deCODE completed its Phase IIa trial for DG041,
the company's novel, oral, first-in-class anti-platelet compound being
developed as a lesion-specific means of preventing arterial thrombosis
without increasing bleeding time. The dose-ranging Phase IIa trial is
examining safety and efficacy in platelet inhibition using biomarkers
related to atherosclerosis. The company expects to present data from the
trial in the second quarter 2007.
* DG051. The company completed in December the Phase I single-dose study
of DG051, being developed for the prevention of heart attack. Top line
results from this trial show DG051 to be safe and well tolerated at all
doses tested; with a favorable pharmacokinetic profile potentially
suited to once-a-day dosing; and to provide dose-dependent
lowering of levels of leukotriene B4, the product of the leukotriene
pathway that deCODE's genetics work has linked to risk of heart attack.
The company expects to begin a multiple-dose Phase I study in the coming
weeks.
* DG031. The company is evaluating formulation and process combinations to
develop new tablets of DG031, the company's Phase III compound targeting
the leukotriene pathway for the prevention of heart attack. deCODE
suspended its Phase III trial of DG031 last fall due to tablet
manufacturing issues, and the company's manufacturing schedule is to
have sufficient clinical supplies to restart Phase III testing by the
end of this year. deCODE is also examining the feasibility of resuming
testing of DG031 with a once-a-day dosing regimen.
* Diagnostics. deCODE expects to complete the CLIA certification process
for its DNA diagnostic reference laboratory in the first quarter of this
year, and to begin to offer its first test, for variants in the TCF7L2
gene conferring risk of type 2 diabetes, in the second quarter. The
company is also advancing the development of reference laboratory tests
for prostate cancer, atrial fibrillation and stroke, heart attack, and
breast cancer, and is concurrently developing DNA-based diagnostic test
kits for several diseases under its alliance with Illumina.
About deCODE
deCODE genetics (Nasdaq: DCGN - News) is a global leader in applying human genetics to develop drugs and diagnostics for common diseases. Our population approach has enabled us to discover and target key biological pathways involved in conditions ranging from heart attack to cancer. We are turning these discoveries into new medicine to better treat and prevent many of the biggest challenges to public health. deCODE is delivering on the promise of the new genetics.(SM) Visit us on the web at www.decode.com. |
