Ba-Da Bing, Ba-Da-Boom. Now if we could only make "Interxoma" or "BPInet" we'ld go up 5000% in a week...
===\XOMA Granted New Anti-angiogenesis Patent
for BPI Products
Business Wire - November 17, 1998 09:50
Jump to first matched term
BERKELEY, Calif.--(BW HealthWire)--Nov. 17, 1998--XOMA Corporation
(Nasdaq:XOMA) today announced that it has been issued U.S. Patent No.
5,837,678 covering methods for inhibiting angiogenesis (the growth of blood
vessels), including the angiogeneisis associated with metastatic cancer and other
diseases, by using protein products derived from bactericidal/permeability-increasing
protein (BPI). BPI binds to and neutralizes heparin, a carbohydrate crucial to the
development of blood vessels, thus stopping their growth.
Since angiogenesis is a necessary step in the growth, proliferation and metastasis of
tumors, antiangiogenic drugs may be useful as new, more specific cancer
therapeutics with fewer side effects than current cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents.
Angiogenesis is also associated with a number of other serious diseases, including
autoimmune disorders such as psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as diabetic
retinopathy, the leading cause of blindness in adults.
"Angiogenesis is an important area of our research," said Patrick J. Scannon, M.D.,
Ph.D., XOMA's Chief Scientific and Medical Officer. "BPI's antiangiogenic
properties were discovered by a XOMA scientist and we have made a series of
stable low-molecular weight compounds that show potent activity as angiogenesis
inhibitors. This patent further protects our therapeutic development efforts in this
area."
The new patent is directed toward methods of inhibiting angiogenesis associated
with several specific diseases, such as ocular retinopathy, endometriosis and
malignant tumor cell proliferation, including Kaposi's sarcoma. This is the fourth
patent granted to XOMA that relates to BPI's heparin-binding and neutralizing
activities. The previous patents were: US Patent No. 5,807,818 (issued September
15, 1998), directed to the use of BPI protein products to inhibit endothelial cell
proliferation, including the proliferation associated with angiogenesis; US Patent
No. 5,639,727 (issued June 17, 1997), directed to the use of BPI-derived products
to treat chronic inflammatory disease states, such as rheumatoid arthritis; and US
Patent No. 5,348,942 (issued September 21, 1994), relating to anticoagulant aspects
of BPI's heparin-neutralizing properties.
XOMA is already developing products that take advantage of BPI's antiangiogenic
capabilities. For instance, at the 88th American Association of Cancer Research
meeting in April, 1997, XOMA scientists presented data showing that more than 20
BPI-derived compounds inhibited cell proliferation in vitro and angiogenesis in
vivo. One XOMA product in late preclinical development with antiangiogenic
properties is I-PREX(TM), a topical formulation of rBPI21. It has anti-infective
properties that may be useful for treating eye infections and corneal transplants, and
may help prevent sight-threatening angiogenesis associated with ocular infections or
surgery.
XOMA Corporation develops and manufactures protein, peptide and monoclonal
antibody pharmaceuticals that target systemic bacterial and fungal infections,
infectious complications such as those following traumatic injury and surgery, and
immunologic disorders. The Company's primary drug development platform is BPI,
a human protein, part of the natural host-defense system that protects the body
against infection. BPI was discovered in 1978 by Peter Elsbach, M.D., Professor of
Medicine, and Jerrold Weiss, Ph.D., Professor of Microbiology, at New York
University School of Medicine. In addition to its heparin-binding and neutralizing
activities, BPI has multiple anti-infective properties. It kills bacteria, enhances the
effectiveness of antibiotics, and binds to and neutralizes endotoxins found on
gram-negative bacteria. XOMA's first BPI-derived drug, NEUPREX(R) is in
Phase III trials for two indications: to treat meningococcemia, a deadly pediatric
bacterial infection, and to prevent pulmonary complications, such as pneumonia, in
patients suffering severe blood loss from traumatic injuries.
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,
actions by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or the U.S. Patent and
Trademark Office, and the Year 2000 issue, 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: The "21" in the term "rBPI21" should be written subscript.
CONTACT: XOMA
Ellen M. Martin, 510/644-1170
1-800-BIO-XOMA
XOMA Fax News on Demand: 1-800-901-7788
xoma.com
or
Dewe Rogerson, Inc.
Juliane Snowden, 212/688-6840 (Investor Contact)
Elissa Grabowski, 212/688-6840 (Media Contact) |
