ENDV & TMED: :TRIMEDYNE SUBSIDIARY ENTERS GENE THERAPY COLLABORATION WITH
ENDOVAC Ltd. Inc.
Business Editors and Health/Medical Writers
IRVINE, Calif.--(BW HealthWire)--May 20, 1999--Trimedyne Inc. (Nasdaq/NMS:TMED)
Thursday announced its 90 percent owned subsidiary, Cardiodyne Inc., has entered into a
Collaboration Agreement with Endovasc Ltd. Inc. (Nasdaq:ENDV) under which the parties
will collaborate on the development of liposome encapsulated agents to promote
angiogenesis, such as fibroblast growth factors and vascular endothelial growth factors, the
genes that cause cells to produce such growth factors, and agents to treat congestive heart
failure.
The liposome coated agents will be injected into channels in the heart wall created by
Cardiodyne's proprietary Laser Transmyocardial Revascularization ("TMR") System, which
is designed to treat severe angina resulting from blockages in coronary arteries and other
cardiac conditions. Cardiodyne expects to begin human clinical trials of its Laser TMR
System in late 1999 in the United States and overseas.
The laser created channels enable blood from the heart's chamber to perfuse the heart
muscle and stimulate the release of naturally occurring growth factors, which cause new
blood vessels to form (angiogenesis). While the body's supply of naturally occurring
angiogenic agents is limited, these substances can be manufactured with today's genetic
engineering techniques. Injecting genetically engineered angiogenic agents with
Cardiodyne's TMR System could increase the angiogenesis effect. Encapsulating the
growth factors or genes will enable them to more easily penetrate the heart's muscle cells.
If various liposomal capsule compositions are employed, the contents can be released at
different times, providing a longer term effect.
Commenting on the Agreement, Endovasc spokesman, Dr. David Summers, said,
"Cardiodyne's ECG Synchronized Injection and Laser TMR System is vastly superior to
any other laser TMR system we've seen. Injecting our liposome encapsulated agents into
the newly created laser channels, if successful, may revolutionize the treatment of coronary
artery disease and congestive heart failure. The treatment of these conditions costs in
excess of $100 billion each year in the United States."
Endovasc, which is based in Montgomery, Texas and also has research facilities in San
Francisco, is a leader in liposomal encapsulation technology and holds important patents
and technological skills in this promising new area. Endovasc has already completed
design formulation of a liposome encapsulated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)
and plans to encapsulate a fibroblast growth factor (FGF), as well as the genes which
enable cells to manufacture VEGF and FGF and other agents. "Safe Harbor" Statement
Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act: With the exception of any historical
information contained in this release, the matters described herein contain forward-looking
statements that involve risk and uncertainties that may, individually or mutually, impact the
matters herein described. Such risks may be outside the control of the company, and may
be detailed from time to time in the company's periodic SEC reports.
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