Whiskeyjm enquired about this SCLN company on Yahoo BB. I did a little DD and found this PR news release. I have not found an analyst review as yet. Company has dropped from 15 4 years ago to 1-2 today. The stock doubled on the day of this news release. Does anybody have any comment on SCLN?
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SciClone's ZADAXIN(R) Plus Chemotherapy Stops Spread of Colorectal Cancer In Animal Study
Thursday, July 8, 1999 08:30 AM
SAN MATEO, Calif., July 8 /PRNewswire/ -- SciClone Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: SCLN) announced today
that its lead product, ZADAXIN(R), significantly reduced the spread of colorectal cancer and increased
survival rates when administered in combination with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) in an animal
model. The ZADAXIN combination therapy also stimulated significant increases in the production and
activation of disease fighting helper and killer T-cells. The data were published in the current issue of the
peer-reviewed journal Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy (Vol. 48).
In the study, conducted by Guido Rasi, M.D. and his colleagues at the Institute of Experimental Medicine in
Rome, DHD/K12 colon adenocarcinoma cancer cells were implanted in an animal model to cause formation
of metastatic tumors. Fourteen days after tumor injection, animals were separated into four groups:
(1) triple combination of ZADAXIN, 5-FU and IL-2; (2) double combination of 5-FU and IL-2; (3) 5-FU only; or
(4) no treatment. A second cycle of treatment was administered 35 days after tumor injection, to simulate
multiple chemotherapy cycles typical of the clinical setting. Survival and cure rates, as well as rates of
cancer spread, were evaluated 100 days after tumor injection. The key findings from the study are as
follows:
* The survival rate was 81% in animals receiving the ZADAXIN combination
therapy, compared to 44% in animals receiving 5-FU and IL-2; 39% in
animals receiving 5-FU only; and 10% in controls.
* The rate of cancer spread 100 days after tumor injection was 9.5% in
animals in the ZADAXIN treatment group, compared to 22%, 89% and 100% in
the other groups, respectively.
* Two of 21 animals in the ZADAXIN group were cured, surviving for
5 months with no evidence of disease. No animals were cured in any
other group.
"In this study, the combination of ZADAXIN, 5-FU and IL-2 showed striking antitumor effects," stated Dr.
Rasi. "Two cycles of the triple chemo-immunotherapy significantly reduced the spread of multiple nodule
tumors. In addition, the data suggest a correlation between the antitumor effect and significant increases in
T-cell subsets. In animals receiving triple therapy, levels of CD4+ helper T-cells, CD8+ cytotoxic T-cells and
CD25+ effector T-cells were significantly higher after the second treatment cycle than in the other three
groups. This finding is consistent with previous studies indicating ZADAXIN's ability to enhance the immune
system. In conclusion, these results support the potential of ZADAXIN combination therapy for the treatment
of inoperable colorectal cancer."
"This study confirms that ZADAXIN is a promising treatment candidate for a wide variety of cancers," said
Alfred R. Rudolph, M.D., SciClone's Chief Operating Officer. "In multiple in vitro studies, ZADAXIN has been
shown to expand and activate T-cell number and function and to potentiate the effects of IL-2. In a previous
study, for example, ZADAXIN decreased tumor growth rates and improved median survival time in an animal
model of melanoma skin cancer."
According to the National Cancer Institute, colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer type in the
U.S. after breast, prostate and lung cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be
approximately 130,000 new cases of colon and rectal cancer in the United States in 1999, and that these
cancers will be responsible for 57,000 deaths. Due to metastases, chemotherapy is currently effective for
only 10-15% of patients.
ZADAXIN is approved for marketing in 14 countries, principally as a treatment for hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
SciClone has filed for ZADAXIN marketing approval in 21 additional countries.
SciClone Pharmaceuticals is a global biopharmaceutical company that acquires, develops and
commercializes specialist-oriented drugs for treating chronic and life-threatening diseases, such as hepatitis
B, hepatitis C, cystic fibrosis, cancer and immune system disorders. Press releases and corporate
information from SciClone Pharmaceuticals are available on the Internet at www.sciclone.com or by calling
the Company's Investor Relations Department at 800-724-2566. SciClone's common stock is listed on the
Nasdaq National Market(R) under the symbol SCLN.
NOTE: The information in this press release includes certain forward-looking statements concerning the
Company's current expectations regarding future events, including the ongoing and prospective development
and commercialization of ZADAXIN as a potential therapy for cancer. Due to market factors and the nature of
product development and the regulatory approval process, the forward-looking statements contained in this
press release are subject to risks and uncertainties, including those reflected in the Company's filings with
the Securities and Exchange Commission, particularly its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1998.
SOURCE SciClone Pharmaceuticals
CONTACT: Shawn K. Singh, J.D., Chief Administrative Officer of SciClone Pharmaceuticals, 650-358-1451
Quote for referenced ticker symbols: SCLN
© 1999, PR Newswire |
