"The inclusion of five ARIUS abstracts in this conference is a significant achievement, demonstrating the scientific community's interest in our programs and the high quality of our research," said Dr. David Young, President and CEO. "Among these abstracts are findings from our cancer stem cell programs targeting CD44 and CD9. This is an exciting new area of cancer research and as we prepare our CD44 antibody to enter human clinical trials this year, we believe we will have one of the only novel cancer stem cell drugs entering clinical trials in the near-term."
The following ARIUS' abstracts will be presented:
Abstract Number 3975:
"Preclinical development of huARH460-16-2, a humanized antibody to the CD44 cancer stem cell target." Experimental and Molecular Therapeutics 32, Tuesday, April 15, 2008, 8:00 AM
Abstract Number 3976:
"Anti-CD44 antibody, ARH460-16-2, binds to human AML CD34+CD38- cancer stem cells and demonstrates anti-tumor activity in an AML xenograft model." Experimental and Molecular Therapeutics 32, Tuesday, April 15, 2008, 8:00 AM
Abstract Number 3990:
"AR47A6.4.2, a naked monoclonal antibody targeting Trop-2, exhibits anti-tumor efficacy in multiple human cancer models as a monotherapeutic agent and demonstrates efficacy in combination therapy." Experimental and Molecular Therapeutics 32, Tuesday, April 15, 2008, 8:00 AM
Abstract Number 3993:
"Anti-CD9 antibody, AR40A746.2.3, inhibits tumor growth in pancreatic and breast cancer models and recognizes CD9 on CD34+CD38- leukemic cancer stem cells." Experimental and Molecular Therapeutics 32, Tuesday, April 15, 2008, 8:00 AM
Abstract Number 3995:
"A monoclonal antibody targeting CD59 (AR36A36.11.1), enhances complement activity and exhibits potent in vivo efficacy in multiple human cancer models." Experimental and Molecular Therapeutics 32, Tuesday, April 15, 2008, 8:00 AM
About ARIUS
ARIUS is a biotechnology company discovering and developing the next wave of antibody therapeutics. Established in 1999, ARIUS has built a proprietary technology platform, FunctionFIRST(TM), that rapidly identifies and selects antibodies based on their functional ability to affect disease. This antibody generation engine has enabled ARIUS to assemble a portfolio of more than 500 antibody candidates. In addition to the antibodies it is developing in-house, ARIUS has ongoing partnerships with key biotechnology and drug development companies. ARIUS is listed on the TSX under the symbol "ARI". For further information, visit www.ariusresearch.com
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this news release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Forward-looking statements in this release include, but are not limited to, ARIUS successfully advancing its new product programs as well as licensing opportunities. These statements are only predictions and actual events or results may differ materially. Factors that could cause such actual events or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements to differ materially from any future results expressed or implied by such statements include, but are not limited to: early stage of development; technology and product development; dependence on and management of current and future corporate collaborations; future capital needs; uncertainty of additional funding; no assurance of market acceptance; dependence on proprietary technology and uncertainty of patent protection; intense competition; manufacturing and market uncertainties; and government regulation. These and other factors are described in detail in ARIUS' Annual Report, forthcoming news releases and other filings with Canadian securities regulatory authorities available at www.sedar.com. Forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and ARIUS is not obligated to update such information to reflect later events or developments.
Source: ARIUS Research Inc.
