Heidelberg, May 27, 2010 – Apogenix GmbH, a protein therapeutic-based
biopharmaceutical company specializing in malignant and inflammatory
diseases, today announced the publication of an independent Nature article.
This publication describes in vitro and in vivo studies of CD95: “CD95
promotes tumour growth” (Nature, May 27, 2010) by Professor Marcus Peter
and his team, previously at the Ben May Department for Cancer Research,
The University of Chicago Cancer Research Center, now in the Department
of Medicine at the Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL.
In vitro and in vivo data in this publication showed that cancer cells in
general, regardless of their CD95 apoptosis sensitivity, depend on
constitutive activity of CD95, stimulated by cancer-produced CD95L, for
optimal growth. Results demonstrated that CD95 has a growth-promoting role
during tumorigenesis and indicate that efforts to inhibit its activity rather than
to enhance it should be considered during cancer therapy.
Professor Peter told Apogenix: “Our data indicate that the CD95/CD95L
system, rather than being tumour suppressive, drives cancer growth - joining
the ranks of TNFR1 and TNF-alpha in stimulating tumour growth. In line with
our results, studies by other groups suggest that CD95 activates neuronal
stem cells and acts as a tumour promoter for glioblastoma.”
Apogenix is developing APG101: a soluble CD95-Fc fusion protein that
blocks CD95L from binding to the CD95 receptor, thus inhibiting tumour cell
migration and invasive growth. APG101 is currently in Phase II trials to treat
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most common and aggressive type of
primary brain tumour. Results from the trial are expected in 2011.
Harald Fricke, CMO of Apogenix, said: “This is an independent confirmation
of our approach to treating glioblastoma and potentially other tumours.
Professor Peter and his team at the University of Chicago are highly
respected for their studies on the activities of death receptors and the related
signaling components in cell death as well as for the relevance of nonapoptotic
activities in cancer development.”
With APG101 Apogenix intends to fundamentally improve the treatment of
GBM. The goal of the current Phase II study is to achieve clinical proof-ofconcept
for APG101.
About Apogenix
Apogenix, a spin-out from the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), is
developing novel protein therapeutics for the treatment of cancer and
inflammatory diseases, based either on the targeted modulation of apoptosis
(programmed cell death) or by blocking the invasive growth of tumour cells.
The company is developing APG101, its lead product candidate, to treat
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most common and aggressive type of
primary brain tumour. APG101 is in preparation to enter Phase II trials for the
treatment of acute Graft-versus-Host Disease (aGvHD), the rejection of
recipient tissue by transplanted bone marrow. In preclinical studies, Apogenix
is focusing on Interleukin-4 (IL-4) blockers. IL-4 plays an essential role in the
development of apoptosis resistance in cancer cells and cancer stem cells.
Since its inception in autumn 2005, the company has raised €43 million and
has been awarded public grants totalling nearly €5.8 million. Apogenix is
based in Heidelberg, Germany.
About APG101
The company’s lead product candidate, APG101, a soluble fusion protein
combining the extracellular domain of the CD95-receptor and the Fc-portion
of IgG, completed Phase I studies in 2009. In December 2009, APG101
entered a controlled Phase II trial for the treatment of Glioblastoma
multiforme (GBM) and is in preparation to enter Phase II trials for the
treatment of acute Graft-versus-Host Disease (aGvHD). Apogenix plans to
out-license APG101 no later than the completion of proof of concept Phase II
trials. Apogenix has been granted orphan drug status for APG101 to treat
GBM in Europe and the U.S and for the prevention of aGvHD in Europe.
