Friday February 21 7:59 AM EDT
Magainin and University of Pennsylvania Report in
Cell on Key Peptide In Cystic Fibrosis-Associated
Lung Infection
PLYMOUTH MEETING, Pa., Feb. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Scientists at Magainin
Pharmaceuticals Inc , along with collaborators at the University of Pennsylvania today
reported an important finding regarding the role of a key peptide, human
beta-defensin-1 (HBD-1) in mediating the onset of lung infection in cystic fibrosis
patients. Research reported in the journal Cell provides critical evidence that
inactivation of this natural antibiotic peptide is responsible for life-threatening lung
infections in cystic fibrosis patients. This finding further supports the concept of
developing a therapeutic to replace HBD-1 for the treatment and prevention of lung
infection. Early studies that aided in the discovery of HBD-1 were supported by the
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
The reason for cystic fibrosis patients' high susceptibility to serious infection, resulting in
lung destruction, has always been unclear. In today's publication, scientists collaborating
at Magainin and Penn have now shown that in healthy subjects HBD-1 acts as a natural
antibiotic, protecting the lung from infection. In cystic fibrosis, however, an increase in
the amount of salt present on the surface of the lung bronchial tubes, inactivates this
natural defense system. As reported by Goldman et. al., [Cell 88:1-20 (1997)],
inactivation of HBD-1 was recreated in a bronchial xenograft model and shown to
promote the lung infections typical of cystic fibrosis.
"This discovery paves the way for a new therapeutic approach to address the serious
lung infections associated with cystic fibrosis," said Jay Moorin, Chairman, President
and Chief Executive Officer of Magainin Pharmaceuticals Inc. "A number of our
magainin peptides and their derivatives have been demonstrated to be salt insensitive
and mimic the antibiotic activity of the natural peptide, HBD-1. We are currently
conducting pre-clinical studies of lead candidates for replacement of HBD-1 as a
therapeutic for cystic fibrosis patients. We believe that an aerosol delivery system will
be the best method for delivery of this magainin peptide."
"With the contributions of Dr. Michael Zasloff and his team at Magainin, we have been
able to elucidate an important new approach to modulating natural antibiotic defenses
in the cystic fibrosis patient," said James M. Wilson, M.D., Ph.D., Director, Institute for
Human Gene Therapy, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center. "This research is an
important first step in exploring therapeutic opportunities that will enhance or even
replace natural immunity."
Magainin Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company engaged in the
development of breakthrough medicines for serious diseases. The Company isolates
and develops compounds from the host-defense systems of animals and uses
molecular techniques such as gene identification to understand the pathogenesis of
disease. Magainin's development efforts are focused on anti-infectives, oncology and,
pulmonary and allergic disorders.
This announcement contains certain forward looking statements that are subject to risks
and uncertainties. Such statements reflect management's current views and are based
on certain assumptions. Actual results could differ materially from those currently
anticipated as a result of a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the risks and
uncertainties discussed under "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations" in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
for the quarter ended September 30, 1996 as filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission and the following sections of Item 1 of the Company's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995 as filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission: "Synthesis Technology; Manufacturing;" "Product Development
and Research Programs;" "Government Regulation;" "Additional Regulatory Issues;"
"Patents and Proprietary Rights; Licensed Technology;" "Competition" and "Product
Liability and Insurance." The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update
these forward looking statements. SOURCE Magainin Pharmaceuticals Inc.
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