REGN received new patent covering cytokines traps/potent antagonists.
Regeneron Receives U.S. Patent Covering Nine Novel Cytokine Antagonists
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 3, 1998--Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:REGN - news) announced at the 1998 BancBoston Robertson Stephens Medical Conference that it has received United States Patent No. 5,844,099 covering cytokine traps that are capable of blocking the activity of the cytokines interleukin-1, interleukin-2, interleukin-3, interleukin-4, interleukin-5, interleukin-15, granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor, gamma-interferon, and transforming growth factor beta. These cytokines have been implicated in a variety of diseases and medical conditions.
Cytokines are soluble proteins that are secreted by cells of the immune system and act as messengers to help regulate immune and inflammatory responses. In excess, cytokines can be harmful. Regeneron is developing its cytokine traps as drugs to block the harmful activity of excess cytokines.
This is the second patent issued to Regeneron covering cytokine traps. On November 28, 1995, Regeneron received U.S. Patent No. 5,470,952 covering cytokine traps that antagonize ciliary neurotrophic factor and interleukin-6.
Regeneron's initial research and development is focused on its interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) cytokine traps. IL-4 traps may be useful in treating allergy and asthma and in enhancing the effectiveness of vaccines. IL-1 and IL-6 traps may be useful in treating inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. IL-6 traps could also be useful in the treatment of certain cancers, cachexia, and other conditions. Regeneron's cytokine traps are very potent antagonists and are made of all human components, which may reduce their likelihood of inducing an immune reaction in people.
Commented Leonard S. Schleifer, M.D., Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Regeneron, ''Regeneron now has eleven proprietary cytokine traps. This demonstrates the productivity of our genetic engineering program, which takes functional genomics to the next level. Functional genomics identifies genes and the function of the proteins that the genes encode. At Regeneron, we don't stop there, but go on to then modify and combine portions of multiple genes so that we can create proprietary potential protein therapeutics with novel or dramatically improved properties.''
Dr. Schleifer continued, ''Our development of cytokine traps as therapeutic agents is buttressed by the recent approval of the first drug developed by a pharmaceutical company based on blocking the activity of a cytokine (tumor necrosis factor). We are currently conducting in vitro and in vivo studies of our traps to support potential human clinical trials.''
Regeneron is a leader in the application of molecular and cell biology to the search for novel human therapeutics. Regeneron uses its expertise in growth factors and their mechanisms of action to discover and develop protein-based and small molecule drugs for the treatment of obesity and neurological, inflammatory, and muscle diseases, as well as abnormal bone growth, cancer, and angiogenesis. Amgen-Regeneron Partners is conducting human clinical studies of Regeneron's brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3). The Company has a number of research collaborations, including a broad-based, long-term agreement with The Procter & Gamble Company.
This news release discusses historical information and includes forward looking statements about Regeneron's products, programs, finances, and business, all of which involve a number of risks and uncertainties, such as risks associated with preclinical and clinical development of drugs and biologics, determinations by regulatory and administrative governmental authorities, competitive factors, technological developments, the availability and cost of capital, the costs of developing, producing, and selling products, the potential for any collaboration agreement to be canceled or to terminate without any product success, and other material risks. A more complete description of these risks can be found in Regeneron's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997 and current Form 10-Q, copies of which should be read before making any investment decision regarding Regeneron common stock.
Additional information about Regeneron and recent news releases are available on Regeneron's Worldwide Web Home Page at www.regeneron.com. Fax copies of news releases can be obtained from Regeneron's News-on-Demand Service by dialing (800) 311-0841. |
