DALLAS, April 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- ACCESS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. presented a poster yesterday at the 99th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) in San Diego describing the results of studies designed to determine the molecular mechanisms of ProLindac action, and the predictive factors of sensitivity and related target genes in cancer cell lines, compared to oxaliplatin and cisplatin.
David P. Nowotnik, Ph.D., Access’ Senior Vice President Research and Development commented, “These results show that ProLindac displays a cytotoxic profile in vitro which is similar to that of oxaliplatin in most human cancer cell lines at similar platinum concentrations. With the polymer providing enhanced tumor delivery in vivo compared with oxaliplatin, there is now a good scientific basis to anticipate that ProLindac should provide superior efficacy in the treatment of a variety of cancers.”
The poster described in vitro assays of the antiproliferative effects of ProLindac, oxaliplatin and cisplatin for human colon, lung and ovarian cancer cell lines, examining cell cycle changes, induction of apoptosis, and gene expression. ProLindac displayed cytotoxic effects against all of the human cancer cell lines, of which HT29 colon cancer cells were the most sensitive. ProLindac demonstrated cell cycle arrest, apoptosis induction, and gene expression, especially increases in p21 and decreases in Ki67 and NEK2 mRNA levels. Effects of ProLindac on gene expression are p53-dependent without participation of mismatch repair (MMR) genes. At equimolar concentrations, oxaliplatin and ProLindac displayed similar effects on gene expression which were distinct from that of cisplatin. Low expression of MLH1, MDR1 and GSTP1 genes correlates with ProLindac sensitivity.
About ProLindac(TM):
ProLindac is a novel DACH platinum prodrug which has been shown to be active in a wide variety of solid tumors in both preclinical models and in human trials. Access believes that ProLindac’s unique molecular design potentially could eliminate some of the toxic side effects seen in the currently marketed DACH platinum, Eloxatin, which has sales in excess of $2 billion.
About Access:
Access Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is an emerging biopharmaceutical company that develops and commercializes propriety products for the treatment and supportive care of cancer patients. Access’ products include ProLindac(TM), currently in Phase 2 clinical testing of patients with ovarian cancer, and MuGard(TM) for the management of patients with mucositis. The company also has other advanced drug delivery technologies including Cobalamin(TM)-mediated targeted delivery and oral drug delivery, its proprietary nanopolymer delivery technology based on the natural vitamin B12 uptake mechanism; Angiolix(R), a humanized monoclonal antibody which acts as an anti-angiogenesis factor and is targeted to breast cancer; Prodrax(R), a non-toxic prodrug which is activated in the hypoxic zones of solid tumors to kill cancer cells; Alchemix, a chemotherapeutic agent that combines multiple modes of action to overcome drug resistance. Access is also developing Phenylbutyrate (“PB”), an HDAC inhibitor and differentiating agent currently a Phase 2 clinical candidate. For additional information on Access Pharmaceuticals, please visit our website at http://www.accesspharma.com.
This press release contains certain statements that are forward-looking within the meaning of Section 27a of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and that involve risks and uncertainties. These statements include those relating to: our ability to close the financing transaction, early results from our clinical trial, Access’ plans to continue and initiate clinical trials, the value of its products in the market, its ability to achieve clinical and commercial success and its ability to successfully develop marketed products. These statements are subject to numerous risks, including but not limited Access’ need to obtain additional financing in order to continue the clinical trial and operations and to the risks detailed in Access’ Annual Reports on Form 10-K and other reports filed by Access with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
CONTACT: Stephen B. Thompson, Vice President, Chief Financial Officer of
Access Pharmaceuticals, Inc., +1-214-905-5100; or Investor Relations,
Donald C. Weinberger, or Alisa Steinberg (media), both of Wolfe Axelrod
Weinberger Assoc. LLC, +1-212-370-4500, or Andrew Hellman of CEOcast, Inc.,
+1-212-732-4300, all for Access Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Web site: http://www.accesspharma.com/
