DALLAS, Oct. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Access Pharmaceuticals, Inc. presented data this week from preclinical studies on Angiolix showing that by blocking lactadherin, Angiolix has both an anti-angiogenic effect as well as a direct anti-proliferative effect on tumors themselves. In preclinical models of human breast cancer (MX-1), Angiolix had a significant anti-cancer effect in vivo; this effect was enhanced when Angiolix was given in combination with conventional chemotherapy for breast cancer. The studies were conducted at Imperial College London and presented at the International Conference titled "Realizing the Commercial Potential of Therapeutic Antibodies," held in London, UK.
"We are delighted with these results which demonstrate the substantial anti-cancer effect of Angiolix, which we feel is comparable to Avastin yet achieved through a different and potentially complementary mechanism of action," stated Jeffrey B. Davis, President & CEO. "As stated previously, Access is actively seeking potential partners for the further clinical development of Angiolix."
"Angiolix is highly tumor specific," continued Agamemnon Epenetos, Chief Scientific Officer, Europe, "because the target lactadherin is primarily found in tumors and not in normal tissues. Other targets, such as VEGF, are present in many normal tissues; the blocking of VEGF may contribute to side effects such as high blood pressure and bleeding episodes, for example. Angiolix appears to be a more tumor selective anti-angiogenesis monoclonal antibody, with the benefit of having anti-proliferative activity."
Access is continuing to conduct pre-clinical studies at Imperial College London to more fully define the safety and efficacy profile of Angiolix.
About Angiolix:
Angiolix is a novel humanized monoclonal antibody which has considerable potential for the treatment of cancer through its affinity for a novel target, lactadherin. Lactadherin is an extracellular matrix protein that is released by numerous types of tumor cells, including most breast cancers, ovarian cancers and prostate cancer. Lactadherin has a critical role in promoting the growth of new blood vessels to support tumor growth through the activation of VEGF-mediated angiogenesis. The target lactadherin and Angiolix are supported and protected by granted patents.
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 to 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, both of Wolfe Axelrod Weinberger
Assoc. LLC, +1-212-370-4500, for Access Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Web site: http://www.accesspharma.com/
