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Biotech / Medical : Genta, Inc. (GNTA) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: bob zagorin who wrote (1699)	4/8/2003 12:06:11 PM
From: bob zagorin	Respond to of 1870

Preclinical Activity of Genasense(TM) Documented in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Both Alone and in Combination with Navelbine(R) Chemotherapy BERKELEY HEIGHTS, N.J., Apr 8, 2003 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Genta Incorporated (Nasdaq: GNTA) today announced publication of preclinical data that demonstrated activity against human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with the Company's lead anticancer drug, Genasense(TM) (oblimersen sodium). The study showed activity of Genasense when used alone, as well as synergistic activity when Genasense was used in combination with vinorelbine (Navelbine(R); Glaxo Smith Kline), a commonly utilized agent for front-line chemotherapy. These results from the British Columbia Cancer Agency in Vancouver were published in the March 2003 issue of the Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR). Genasense blocks the production of a key cancer protein called Bcl-2 -- a factor that is widely believed to contribute to the inherent resistance of cancer cells to anticancer treatments. By knocking out Bcl-2, Genasense may amplify the effectiveness of current types of cancer chemotherapy. At the AACR meeting last year, investigators from Genta and Aventis presented data showing that the combination of Genasense plus docetaxel (Taxotere(R); Aventis) was highly synergistic in a model of human NSCLC. While each of these drugs had little efficacy when used alone, the combination proved highly effective and resulted in complete eradication of disease in a number of animals. The new study has extended the evaluation of Genasense in animal models of NSCLC using either Genasense alone or in combination with vinorelbine. Antitumor activity, overall survival, and anti-metastatic effects were then compared between the treatment groups. When administered alone, Genasense and vinorelbine each demonstrated antitumor activity and incremental improvements in survival. However, the use of both drugs in combination yielded significantly greater antitumor response rates, increased survival, and a lower incidence of distant metastases. "Non-small cell lung cancer is an important indication for the future development of Genasense," commented Dr. Raymond P. Warrell Jr., Genta's Chief Executive Officer. "Along with our marketing and development partners at Aventis, Genta is currently conducting a randomized clinical trial at more than 80 medical centers throughout the world in patients with NSCLC who failed initial platinum-based chemotherapy. These new data lend increased support to the use of Genasense as a broad chemosensitizing drug in NSCLC." For a complete copy of the abstract please visit: aacr03.agora.com About Lung Cancer Lung cancer is the leading cancer killer of men and women in the United States, claiming over 150,000 lives per year. Lung cancer kills more men and women than breast, ovarian, prostate and colon cancers combined. The majority of patients with advanced NSCLC have disease that is refractory to first-line chemotherapy, and most of those who respond initially will eventually progress. About Genasense Genasense works by inhibiting the production of Bcl-2, a protein made by cancer cells that is thought to block chemotherapy-induced cell death. By reducing the amount of Bcl-2 in cancer cells, Genasense may enhance the effectiveness of current anticancer treatments. Genasense is currently in multiple late-stage randomized clinical trials including malignant melanoma, multiple myeloma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and non-small cell lung cancer. About Genta Genta Incorporated is a biopharmaceutical company with a diversified product portfolio that is focused on anticancer therapy. The Company's research platform is anchored by oligonucleotide chemistry, particularly applications of antisense and decoy aptamer technology. Genasense (oblimersen sodium), the Company's lead compound, is being developed in collaboration with Aventis and is currently undergoing late-stage, Phase 3 clinical testing in several clinical indications. Genta's pipeline also comprises a portfolio of small molecules, including gallium-containing compounds and Androgenics compounds for prostate cancer. For more information about Genta, please visit our website at: www.genta.com.