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

To: Czechsinthemail who wrote (19)	2/19/1998 10:41:00 AM
From: Czechsinthemail	Respond to of 106

Progenitor Reports Discovery of Novel Angiogenesis Gene MENLO PARK, Calif.--(BW HealthWire)--Feb. 11, 1998--Progenitor, Inc. (NASDAQ:PGEN - news, PGENW - news) today announced the discovery of a novel human gene involved in angiogenesis (the process of blood vessel formation). The findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal Genes and Development (Volume 12(2): 21-33, 1998). Progenitor has targeted this gene and the protein it encodes in a program to develop new therapeutics for cancer and cardiovascular disease. The research paper describes the discovery of the novel angiogenesis gene, called del-1, and studies to determine its function. Investigations using both cell-based assays and animal models revealed that del-1 is active almost exclusively in endothelial cells, a class of cells that contribute to the normal formation and function of blood vessels. Del-1 encodes a protein that appears to promote angiogenesis through its specific interaction with a receptor molecule ((alpha)V(beta)3 integrin) found on the surface of endothelial cells. Integrin receptors have been shown to play critical roles in endothelial cell interactions that promote angiogenesis in early development, wound healing and tumor growth. Del-1 protein expression occurs in a distinctive pattern that coincides with the stages of development of the cardiovascular system, ceasing completely before birth. In recent studies, Progenitor researchers also have demonstrated del-1 expression in tumor blood vessels. ''Progenitor's angiogenesis program takes full advantage of current knowledge about the molecular basis of blood vessel formation in both development and disease,'' said Thomas Quertermous, M.D., Director, Division of Cardiology, Falk Cardiovascular Research Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, and an author of the study. ''This guided approach is biased toward discovery of new molecules likely to exert important effects in disease conditions.'' ''The restricted expression pattern and protein structure were among the factors that prompted our selection of del-1 for further study from the dozens of other interesting full-length genes we've generated to date in our angiogenesis program,'' said H. Ralph Snodgrass, Ph.D., Vice President, Research and Chief Scientific Officer. ''The specificity of del-1 gene expression, as revealed in these functional studies, makes it a promising target for cancer therapy. The protein's specific binding with (alpha)V(beta)3 integrin makes it an attractive lead for small-molecule or peptide drugs to modulate blood vessel formation in conditions such as ischemia and restenosis following angioplasty.'' Drugs designed to inhibit angiogenesis represent an important new approach to the treatment of cancer, by blocking growth of blood vessels that supply tumor masses and metastases. Drugs that promote angiogenesis potentially may be used to induce re-growth or remodeling of blood vessels at sites of blood vessel damage or constriction. 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, Inc. Lawrence K. Cohen, 650/614-7003