ANOTHER CBMI ANNOUNCEMENT:
> > > CREATIVE BIOMOLECULES AND THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO SCHOOL OF MEDICINE RECEIVE GRANT FROM NIH FOR PARKINSON'S RESEARCH
HOPKINTON, Mass., Oct. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Creative BioMolecules, Inc.
(Nasdaq: CBMI) announced today that it has received a Phase I Small
Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from the National Institutes
of Health (NIH) for research into morphogenic protein-based therapies
for the treatment of Parkinson's Disease. The research is being
conducted in collaboration with Paula C. Bickford, Ph.D., Associate
Professor of Pharmacology at the University of Colorado's School of
Medicine.
Creative BioMolecules has proprietary rights to a family of
neurotrophic proteins with demonstrated activity in multiple animal
models of disease including stroke and initial results in Parkinson's
Disease. This grant will support research to evaluate the potential of
these proteins to restore dopaminergic neurons, the brain cells damaged
in Parkinson's Disease, and promote the reestablishment of signaling
pathways in the central nervous system.
Dr. Bickford commented, "Factors that promote the survival or prevent
the progressive deterioration of dopaminergic neurons may have
significant benefit in treating Parkinson's Disease. Early research
indicates that OP-1 may represent the first protein in an exciting
family of neurotrophic factors."
Carl M. Cohen, Ph.D., Vice President for Research at Creative
BioMolecules commented, "We are pleased that the NIH has chosen to
support our collaborative research with Dr. Bickford at the University
of Colorado. Our initial preclinical studies indicate the potential of
OP- 1 to modulate or halt the progression of Parkinson's Disease.
Based on these promising results further studies are planned and are
the basis of this grant."
The research conducted through this grant expands the Company's current
research into the development of morphogenic protein-based therapies
for disease and injury effecting the central nervous system. The
Company has recently announced a two year collaboration into the
development of brain trauma, spinal cord injury and stroke therapies
with The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis and has ongoing research in
stroke recovery with the Massachusetts General Hospital.
Parkinson's Disease is a debilitating neurodegenerative disease of the
nervous system resulting from the progressive loss of dopaminergic
neurons in the brain. Annually in the United States there are
approximately 50,000 newly diagnosed cases adding to the estimated
1,000,000 existing victims. Although, Parkinson's Disease does not
affect lifespan, it has a significant impact on the quality of life of
those afflicted. Symptoms include stiffness, tremors, slowness of
movement, difficulty with balance, and difficulty in walking.
Creative BioMolecules has established a substantial proprietary
position in the field of morphogenic proteins, including OP-1. The
Company's morphogenic protein programs include a late stage development
effort in orthopaedic reconstruction with Stryker Corporation, ongoing
research to develop a treatment for chronic renal disease with Biogen,
Inc., and proprietary new therapies for stroke and other neurological
disorders. The Company's research focus is also directed toward the
discovery of new therapeutic applications of its morphogenic proteins
and the understanding of
signaling pathways to develop small molecules based on the biology of
these proteins.
This news release includes forward-looking statements that involve
risks and uncertainties. Factors which could cause actual results to
differ from the Company's expectations include, without limitation, the
course of the research and development programs, including the
achievement of research and development milestones by the Company, the
impact of competitive products, the timely receipt of regulatory
clearances required for clinical testing, completion of clinical
testing, manufacturing and marketing of products and the other risks
and uncertainties detailed from time to time in the Company's periodic
reports.
NOTE: Creative BioMolecules, Inc. makes available its latest news
releases on the Internet at creativebio.com and
prnewswire.com or by facsimile by calling Fax On Demand at
1-800-758-5804, extension 212213.
SOURCE Creative BioMolecules, Inc.
-0- 10/06/98 /CONTACT: Karla MacDonald
Manager, Corporate Communications of Creative BioMolecules, Inc.,
617-912-2953/< < <
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