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Biotech / Medical : Progenitor (PGEN) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: chris dawson who wrote (17)	2/12/1998 6:44:00 PM
From: Czechsinthemail	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 106

chris, Sorry to hear you're under water. It looks like the company needs a big news announcement to get some lift. Their low cash position may be the concern that is holding people back. What they could really use is a partnership announcement that would give them a big cash infusion. Otherwise, dilution becomes a major problem if they have to sell stock to raise cash with the stock price so low. good luck, Baird

To: chris dawson who wrote (17)	2/18/1998 9:39:00 PM
From: Czechsinthemail	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 106

Here is PGEN's website: progenitor.com There is a lot of information about their technology, partnerships, news releases, etc. Baird

To: chris dawson who wrote (17)	2/19/1998 11:00:00 AM
From: Czechsinthemail	Respond to of 106

Progenitor's Iron Overload Gene Reveals New Regulator of Iron Uptake Findings Published in PNAS Point to New Approaches to Treat Hereditary Hemochromatosis, Anemias and Cancer MENLO PARK, Calif.--(BW HealthWire)--Feb. 17, 1998--Progenitor, Inc. (NASDAQ:PGEN - news, PGENW - news) today announced the publication of research revealing the function of a protein linked to hereditary hemochromatosis (iron overload disease). Progenitor's findings, published in today's issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (Vol. 95(4): 1472-1477), provide new insights on how the body regulates the uptake of iron. The research may have important implications for treating hereditary hemochromatosis, as well as sickle cell anemia, beta-thalassemia (Cooley's anemia) and other blood disorders. The findings also may provide new avenues for development of drugs to control the growth of certain cancers. The study describes a protein, designated HFE, that is the product of the gene responsible for hereditary hemochromatosis. The hereditary hemochromatosis gene was discovered in 1996 (Nature Genetics 13: 399-408) by Progenitor researchers. Hereditary hemochromatosis is a common inherited disorder in which the body gradually accumulates excess iron in major organs, which may lead to cirrhosis, liver cancer, heart disease, diabetes or other serious disorders. The disease affects over one million individuals in the United States alone. The Progenitor researchers discovered that HFE normally interacts with cell surface molecules called transferrin receptors, regulating their ability to take iron which is bound to a carrier protein (transferrin) from the circulation and transport it into the cell. Approximately 85% of hereditary hemochromatosis patients produce a mutant form of HFE that is unable to interact with transferrin receptors. Cell uptake of transferrin-bound iron thus occurs without the normal molecular control mechanism, and patients' cells take up abnormally high levels of iron. The researchers also showed that a recombinant form of HFE could mimic the natural protein by inhibiting uptake of transferrin-bound iron in cultured cells. These findings suggest a potential therapeutic role for a recombinant HFE molecule in hereditary hemochromatosis and other disorders involving abnormal accumulation of iron in the tissues. ''Researchers have been studying the human transferrin receptorfor over twenty-five years, and never suspected a regulatory mechanism for iron uptake at this level. The fundamental control for ironregulation we uncovered through our discovery of the hereditary hemochromatosis gene may have significance in a number of metabolic processes and diseases,'' said Randall C. Schatzman, Ph.D., Vice President, Biology at Progenitor and one of the study's authors. ''We've moved quickly from discovering the gene, to understanding its function, and using this knowledge to develop and evaluate new therapeutic leads.'' Progenitor is testing recombinant HFE and related molecules in animal models for hereditary hemochromatosis, sickle cell anemia and beta-thalassemia to determine effects on iron uptake. Patients with these anemias suffer the life-threatening effects of iron overload resulting from repeated blood transfusions, ineffective red blood cell formation, and the breakdown of fragile iron-laden red blood cells. An HFE-based drug potentially could serve as an alternative to iron chelating drugs for removal of accumulated iron. Such drugs are administered by subcutaneous infusion, a costly, time-consuming and uncomfortable procedure. Progenitor also is studying the newly discovered HFE-transferrin interaction as a target for the development of drugs to inhibit tumor growth. Transferrin receptors are found in abundance on dividing cells, delivering the iron that is essential to cell growth and division. Many types of cancer cells, including cancers of the lung, breast and prostate, produce abnormally high numbers of transferrin receptors. Elevated levels of transferrin receptors on these cells have been shown to correlate with rapid cell proliferation, and in some instances, to resistance to chemotherapeutics. Progenitor discovers and develops genomic leads and targets for new pharmaceuticals using a unique technology platform that combines developmental biology and disease genetics to identify, characterize and utilize key genes responsible for health or disease. Progenitor's genomic discoveries provide multiple product opportunities which the company pursues through a combination of partnerships, licenses and retained rights for internal product development programs. Except for the descriptions of historical facts contained herein, this news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties as detailed from time to time in Progenitor's SEC filings under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, including the early stage of development of Progenitor's technology; need for additional funds; patent, regulatory and competitive risks; dependence on third parties; product liability; and other risks. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Contact: Progenitor Lawrence K. Cohen, Ph.D., 650/614-7003

To: chris dawson who wrote (17)	2/19/1998 1:44:00 PM
From: Czechsinthemail	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 106

I finally decided to buy in. My thought is that the stock price is cheap enough and the combination of partners, discoveries and patents looks strong enough to give the company some long term appeal. My concerns about the burn rate remain, though I think the company has a good chance to come up with new capital through new partnership agreements. Plus they will not be bearing the costs of clinicals. They will be in a good milestone and royalty position should any of their collaborations get to market. Does anyone have more detailed information on the people at PGEN or their research? Baird