Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Biotech / Medical : CYTO -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Jim Oravetz who wrote (7960)	11/10/2000 12:58:35 PM
From: Jim Oravetz	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 8116

AMSTERDAM -- Progenics Pharmaceuticals Inc. (PGNX) and Cytogen Corp. (CYTO) said they developed a new generation of monoclonal antibodies that have potential use in the treatment of prostate cancer. In a press release Friday, the companies said the antibodies are directed against prostate specific membrane antigen, or PSMA, a protein found on the surface of prostate cancer cells. The antibodies are being developed for therapy in "naked," radio-labelled and toxin-conjugated forms capable of selectively targeting and destroying PSMA-expressing cancer cells. The companies added they "look forward to optimizing the therapeutic utility of these antibodies using the best available preclinical models of human prostate cancer in anticipation of human clinical testing." In addition to the antibody effort, the joint venture between Progenics and Cytogen is also pursuing a development program for the development of therapeutic vaccines which target PSMA. Novel viral vector and purified protein vaccines for use both individually and in prime-boost combinations are in late-stage pre-clinical development. The biopharmaceutical companies said the vaccines have generated potent and specific immune responses to cell-surface PSMA in animal studies. The two vaccine programs are directed at stimulating a patient's immune system to eradicate his own cancer. The companies anticipate that vaccine, as well as antibody-based therapies, could be tested in patients next year. Company Web sites: progenics.com; http:www.cytogen.com; and axcellbio.com.