Message from harry zelatis on Nov 1 1996 3:06PM EST
YESTERDAY, IN THE WALL STREET JOURNAL THERE WAS AN
ARTICLE HOW INTERLEUKIN-2 BOOSTED CD4CELLS IN AIDS
PATIENTS. CHIRON CORPORATION HOLDS THE PATENT FOR IL-2.
MY QUESTION IS WHAT DOES IL-1B DO TO THE IMMUNE SYSTEM?
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Try to lay off of the caps lock? IL-1 beta does tons of stuff. It is thought to play a role in the initial communication between accessory cells and T lymphocytes as a part of the initiation of immune responses. However, at high concentrations, it is toxic, much like TNF (tumor necrosis factor). I have long proposed that subclinical (very small, non-toxic) doses of TNF and/or IL-1 would induce "endotoxin tolerance" and thus prophylax against sepsis. There's a lot of experimental (i.e., animal) data to support the concept.
Again, this company has much more going for it than IL-1 and the cash settlement with Immunex. Please read the 10-K as a part of your homework.
Has anyone seen a release from Cistron? The release that I'm working from was released by Immunex. It is obvious that IMNX just plain folded, and I don't understand why they would do such. While they have not admitted guilt, it must have either been a case of (1) they didn't have a leg to stand on, or (2) they're getting something else from the arrangement. I would like to know if there are any "rights" that IMNX gets to claims as a result of the settlement. I'd also like to know more about the patents and breadth of the claims. Amgen has continued with the Synergen program with IL-1 antagonists. It's obvious that Cistron's attorneys are now well-oiled, and it'll be fun to see what happens next.
Can everyone chip in and help get an analysis done by market open on Monday? Some of you that have been working this thread for a long time must have materials from the company? An annual report?? I didn't take a look at Cistron until I saw the release this morning.
DISCLAIMER: Do your own homework, I am not yet up to speed on Cistron, and I haven't stayed in touch with IL-1 research for about two years.
Rick |
