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 : INHL - Inhale Therapeutics - Pulmonary Insulin! -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Miljenko Zuanic who wrote (204)	10/18/2002 8:57:14 AM
From: nigel bates	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 225

SAN CARLOS, Calif. and SLOUGH, England--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 18, 2002--Inhale Therapeutic Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq:INHL - News) and Celltech Group plc (LSE:CCH - News; NYSE:CLL - News) announced today they have entered into a licensing, manufacturing and supply agreement whereby Celltech will use Inhale's PEG technology and services for three of its proprietary pipeline products. These products include CDP 860, a PEGylated antibody fragment drug in Phase II clinical trials for cancer, as well as PEGylated antibody fragment products CDP 791 and CDP 484 in pre-clinical development for cancer and rheumatoid arthritis respectively. PEGylation is a technology that has been demonstrated to prolong or improve the effectiveness of certain pharmaceutical products. Inhale's PEG technology has been used in these drug candidates from inception, and this agreement formalizes these relationships between Celltech and Inhale. Under the terms of the agreement, Inhale will provide exclusive development and manufacturing for each activated PEG. In exchange, Inhale will receive milestone and manufacturing payments and royalties on sales of successfully commercialized products. Dr. Melanie Lee, director of Research and Development at Celltech, commented: "PEG technology is rapidly gaining recognition as a highly effective way to optimize the delivery and performance of many pharmaceutical products. We believe that Celltech's PEGylated antibody fragment technology addresses certain limitations inherent to whole-antibody therapeutic approaches. We are pleased to have entered into this collaboration with Inhale, who are recognized as a leading company in the provision of PEG services." "Celltech is one of Europe's leading biotechnology companies who focus on innovative drug discovery. We are pleased to be working with them to help develop improved therapies for widespread conditions such as cancer and rheumatoid arthritis," said Ajit Gill, president and CEO of Inhale. About Each Product CDP 860 (PEGylated Anti-PDGF beta-receptor antibody fragment) is a PEGylated humanized antibody fragment that specifically binds to and blocks the beta receptor for Platelet Derived Growth Factor (PDGF). Recent published research suggests that inhibition of the PDGF beta-receptor may enhance the uptake of chemotherapeutic agents selectively into tumors, potentially enhancing the efficacy of these agents. Blockage of this receptor may also have a direct anti-proliferative effect in some tumor types. CDP 860 is being assessed in a Phase II study to determine whether it is able to increase the blood flow into a solid tumor. CDP 791 (PEGylated Anti-GFR antibody fragment) is an extremely high-affinity PEGylated humanized antibody fragment directed against a growth factor receptor (GFR). Research suggests that antibodies blocking receptors for certain growth factors will be potent inhibitors of angiogenesis, with potential utility for treatment of a broad range of solid tumors when used in conjunction with existing chemotherapeutic regimes. CDP 791 is expected to enter clinical development during 2003. CDP 484 (PEGylated Anti-IL-1 beta antibody fragment) blocks the effects of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1 beta. Research suggests the potential utility of this molecule as a new treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and other immunity-related and inflammatory disorders. CDP 484 is currently in pre-clinical development...