TORONTO, Oct. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - ARIUS Research Inc., , a biotechnology company discovering and developing the next wave of antibody therapeutics, today announced that it has been selected to deliver a proffered paper in an oral presentation on one of the six abstracts it will present at the AACR-NCI-EORTC 2007 International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics, held on October 22nd-26th in San Francisco. The Company will deliver presentations that will disclose new findings related to its CD44, TROP-2, CD59, CD9 and MCSP antibody programs. ARIUS scientists have also been selected to discuss two of the Company’s abstracts at the AACR press conference.
“The inclusion of six ARIUS abstracts, two media highlight spots and one oral presentation in this year’s AACR-NCI-EORTC conference is an important accomplishment for our Company, reflecting the high quality of our research and the scientific community’s interest in our programs,” said Dr. David Young, President and CEO. “We are especially proud that our Trop-2 Signal Transduction Program abstract was one of only 12 selected from more than 900 abstracts for presentation as a proffered paper. Being chosen for an oral presentation slot at this important conference is a highly-regarded achievement and will attract greater attention to our cancer drug portfolio.”
ARIUS scientists Dr. Amandine Truong, Ph.D. and Dr. Baldwin Mak, Ph.D. will discuss the Company’s findings for the following two abstracts at the AACR press conference on Thursday, October 25th at 9:30 a.m. PT.
Presentation PR12:
“AR47A6.4.2, a functional naked monoclonal antibody targeting Trop-2, demonstrates in vivo efficacy in human pancreatic, colon, breast and prostate cancer models.” Proffered Paper Session 3, Thursday, October 25, 2007 from 5:15 - 5:30 p.m. in the Third Floor Ballroom at Moscone Center.
ARIUS’ abstract and accompanying oral presentation examine the mechanism of action of its Trop-2 targeting antibody. Trop-2 is a protein expressed on the cell-surface and found in many cancer indications including pancreatic, colon, breast and prostate cancer. The target is thought to be a key part of the expansive MAPK pathway. The oral presentation will be delivered by Dr. Amandine Truong, Ph.D., ARIUS Research Scientist.
Abstract A70:
“AR36A36.11.1, a monoclonal antibody targeting CD59, enhances complement activity and exhibits potent in vivo efficacy in multiple human cancer models.” Session A, Tuesday, October 23, 2007, between 12:30-2:30 p.m. and 5:30-7:30 p.m.
ARIUS’ poster presentation discusses CD59, a widely expressed target in malignant tumors that allows cancer cells to evade the immune system. ARIUS’ CD59 targeting antibody has the potential to help to activate the immune system in addition to targeting cells directly. The target has been expressed in a large number of cancer indications including breast, colon, lung and prostate.
“Chimeric and humanized versions of the anti-CD44 monoclonal antibody ARH460-16-2 have potent anti-tumor efficacy in established models of human breast and metastatic liver cancer.” Session A, Tuesday, October 23, 2007, between 12:30-2:30 p.m. and 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Abstract A75:
“Identification and characterization of an antibody to the CD9 tetraspanin: Therapeutic implications for cancer treatment.” Session A, Tuesday, October 23, 2007, between 12:30-2:30 p.m. and 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Abstract B40:
“A monoclonal antibody targeting melanoma-associated chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan demonstrates antitumor activity in human melanoma, ovarian and breast cancer models.” Session B, Wednesday, October 24, 2007, between 12:30-2:30 p.m. and 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Abstract B41:
“Toxicology and pharmacokinetics of chimeric ARH460-16-2, a therapeutic monoclonal antibody targeting CD44.” Session B, Wednesday, October 24, 2007, between 12:30-2:30 p.m. and 5:30-7:30 p.m.
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 400 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.
CONTACT: Warren Whitehead, C.M.A., Chief Financial Officer, ARIUS Research
Inc., (416) 862-2323 ext. 214, wwhitehead@ariusresearch.com,
contact@ariusresearch.com; James Smith, Investor Relations, (416) 815-0700
ext. 229, jsmith@equicomgroup.com
