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Biotech / Medical : XOMA. Bull or Bear? -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Slugger who wrote (7297)	9/24/1998 7:40:00 AM
From: opalapril	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 17367

Thanks. I get it. This is a little like Kremlinology in the old days, isn't it? I was rattled by the reference to some sort of redesign of the P-3. Your message underscores for me another point which I take could be very bullish. The DSMB requested the meeting not for a specific date, it would seem, but >>shortly before completion of enrollment<< I suppose that could be the key. If the DSMB was seeing efficacy problems they probably wouldn't much care when they meet next and might as well do it at trial's end, December as planned. If efficacy looks promising, I suppose they could wish to be in a position to recommend halt of the placebo. Still, that darn alternative of redesign tickles my scalp. Whaaa?

To: Slugger who wrote (7297)	9/24/1998 8:58:00 AM
From: Robert K.	Respond to of 17367

From Business wire today>Thursday September 24, 8:02 am Eastern Time Company Press Release XOMA Presents Phase II Neuprex Data at 1998 ICAAC LBP Diagnostic and BPI-Related Antibacterial, Antifungal and Product Development Studies Exhibited BERKELEY, Calif.--(BW HealthWire)--Sept. 24, 1998--XOMA Corporation's (Nasdaq:XOMA - news) scientists and outside collaborators continue to demonstrate the breadth of the company's BPI (bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein) anti-infective product development platform by presenting findings at the 38th Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (ICAAC), an annual meeting of the American Society for Microbiology, September 24-28 in San Diego, California. Three of these studies highlight clinical advancement of XOMA's lead product, Neuprex(TM) and first-time presentations of BPI-related antifungal and antiparasite research findings. These are: a Phase II study that shows a dose-related improvement in outcome for Neuprex(TM)-treated patients suffering complicated intra-abdominal infections; the first orally-absorbed antifungal peptides derived from BPI by company scientists using rational library screening methods; and a study showing that a recombinant BPI protein combined with an antibiotic kills the protozoan parasite that causes toxoplasmosis. ''We continue to find the BPI molecule to be a unique platform for generating new therapies aimed at numerous medical targets,'' said Patrick J. Scannon, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Scientific and Medical Officer of XOMA. ''For example, it is not obvious that BPI should be a source of anti-fungal and anti-parasite therapies, yet we are now deriving anti-fungal peptides from BPI that can be administered both intravenously and orally, and finding that rBPI21 in combination with Sulfadiazine is remarkably effective against the Toxoplasma parasite.'' Additional presentations will report on product development and diagnostic research. XOMA genetic engineers will show how truncating the first nine amino acids of the BPI protein yields a new potent recombinant variant of the BPI protein (BPI 10-193). Diagnostic data gathered from XOMA clinical studies will show that elevated blood levels of LBP (lipopolysaccharide-binding protein), a sister molecule to BPI, are indicative of exposure to bacteria and endotoxin in trauma, surgery and cystic fibrosis patients. BPI is a protein in the human host-defense system that kills bacteria and binds to lipopolysaccharide (LPS, or endotoxin), resulting in its neutralization and clearance. BPI was discovered in 1978 by Peter Elsbach, M.D., and Jerrold Weiss, Ph.D., at New York University School of Medicine, with whom XOMA has collaborated since 1991 to extend and apply BPI-related research to commercial pharmaceutical development. Having discovered several active amino acid sequences (domains) in the BPI molecule that have useful therapeutic properties, XOMA is building a portfolio of BPI-derived therapeutics that include antibacterial, antifungal and other compounds. XOMA develops and manufactures genetically-engineered protein, peptide and monoclonal antibody pharmaceuticals. The company's medical targets include bacterial and fungal infections, infectious complications of trauma and surgery and immunologic disorders. Statements made in this press release relating to the timing of clinical trials and other aspects of product development, regulatory approvals, and plans for sales and marketing, or that otherwise relate to future periods, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements are based on assumptions which may not prove accurate. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated due to certain risks inherent in the biotechnology industry and for companies engaged in the development of new products in a regulated market. These risks, including those related to the timing or results of pending or future clinical trials, changes in the status of the Company's collaborative relationships, uncertainties regarding the legal standards applicable to biotechnology patents, and actions by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, are discussed in the Company's most recent annual report on Form 10-K and in other SEC filings. Consider such risks carefully in evaluating XOMA's prospects. Note to Editors: ''rBPI21'' should be written with ''21'' subscript. For a copy of this or other recent releases call: XOMA Fax News on Demand 800/901-7788. XOMA home page at xoma.com