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Biotech / Medical : Indications -- Sepsis/Acute Inflammation -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: russet who wrote (22)	9/24/2003 6:03:14 PM
From: russet	Respond to of 89

SEPTEMBER 24, 2003 - 12:41 ET Biophage Pharma Reports Important Progress in Its Anti-Inflammation Program and Files Additional IP MONTREAL, QUEBEC--Biophage Pharma Inc. (TSXV: BUG) disclosed new results from pre-clinical evaluations regarding REGA-3G12, its unique and selective inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). Dr. T. Toney Ilenchuk, Biophages's Chief Development Officer reported new findings, at the Gordon Research Conference on Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) held in Big Sky, Montana in August 2003, that REGA-3G12 preserves renal functions by regulating the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Specifically, data were presented demonstrating the selectivity of REGA-3G12 to inhibit MMP-9 activity and improve the clinical outcome of renal ischemia as evidenced through a number of key parameters: reduced expression levels of MMP-9, reduced activation of pro-MMP-9 and normalized levels of the natural inhibitor of MMP-9 (TIMP-1). These beneficial clinical improvements did not affect the expression or activity of MMP-2, a constitutive protease. Additionally, it was found that REGA-3G12 seems to protect the glomerular endothelium as evidenced through its protective effect on the levels of a tight junction protein, zonula occludens-1 (Z0-1). A provisional patent application was filed to enhance the position of REGA-3G12. "From an anti-inflammatory therapeutic standpoint, it is well-understood that large number of disease states are potential targets for anti-MMPs. Indeed, based on our understanding of the early events of inflammation, we believe that our neutralizing antibody can improve the clinical and biological outcome in patients with acute inflammation, and our recent pre-clinical data confirm our approach," said Dr. Rosemonde Mandeville, President and Chief Scientific Officer. "We also believe that a careful evaluation of the selectiveness of our lead candidate, REGA-3G12, and the recently generated data will continue to support our strategy to target disease conditions characterized by early elevated levels of MMP-9 expression," added Elie Farah, Chief Executive Officer. The abstract can be viewed www.biophage.com/x7_media2_sp.htm. Biophage Pharma is a Canadian biopharmaceutical company engaged in the development of new therapeutics in two core domains: the treatment of antibiotic-resistant infections in livestock and inflammatory diseases in humans. Founded in 1995, Biophage is located at the Biotechnology Research Institute in Montreal and employs 18 people, including a team of 14 researchers. Through an active research and development program, as well as in-licensing and collaboration agreements, Biophage is building a portfolio of promising new therapeutics (www.biophage.com).