LUND, SWEDEN--(Marketwire - May 26, 2011) - Active Biotech (NASDAQ OMX Nordic: ACTI) has presented data from an exploratory clinical trial in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) patients at the Annual European Congress of Rheumatology EULAR 2011, an international event for specialists in the field of rheumatology, held in London May 25-28*.
In the clinical SLE trial, patients were treated daily with oral 57-57 for 12 weeks as add-on to standard therapy. The objectives of the study were to assess changes in disease activity and biomarkers as well as safety. Improvement of SLE symptoms was seen in patients with arthritis, oral ulcers and/or alopecia. Changes in PBMC gene expression profiles relevant for autoimmune diseases could also be detected. The overall safety profile was favorable.
The next step in the development of 57-57 is an explorative clinical study in patients with Systemic Sclerosis which is planned to start during 2011.
Lund, May 26, 2011
Active Biotech AB (Publ)
Tomas Leanderson
President & CEO
* For further information and to take part of the complete poster "An Exploratory Study to Evaluate Changes in Disease Activity and Biomarkers During Treatment with ABR-215757 in Patients with Mild Active Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)", please visit www.activebiotech.com .
About SLE and 57-57
SLE - Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) - is a disease that can cause inflammation and damage to the connective tissue in many different organs. The disease, which progresses in "flare-ups" interspersed by relatively symptom-free periods, primarily affects women of childbearing age. An estimated 500,000 Americans have been diagnosed with SLE; however, surveys indicate that the prevalence may be much higher. The autoimmune attack affects many different organ systems and may eventually lead to severe secondary symptoms, such as kidney failure. Progress and symptoms of the disease vary widely, depending on the organs affected. Without treatment, SLE can be life-threatening.
57-57 is a quinoline compound originally intended for the treatment of SLE. In August 2010, Active Biotech decided to initiate the development of 57-57 also for the treatment of Systemic Sclerosis (SSc). In February 2011, the 57-57 project was granted orphan medicinal product status for the indication Systemic Sclerosis. An explorative clinical study in SSc is planned to start during 2011.
About Active Biotech
Active Biotech AB (NASDAQ OMX NORDIC: ACTI) is a biotechnology company with focus on autoimmune/inflammatory diseases and cancer. Projects in pivotal phase are laquinimod, an orally administered small molecule with unique immunomodulatory properties for the treatment of multiple sclerosis, TASQ for prostate cancer and ANYARA for use in cancer targeted therapy, primarily of renal cell cancer. In addition, laquinimod is in Phase II development for Crohn's and Lupus. Further projects in clinical development comprise the two orally administered compounds, 57- 57 for SLE and Systemic Sclerosis as well as RhuDex™ for RA. Please visit www.activebiotech.com for more information.
Active Biotech is required under the Securities Markets Act to make the information in this press release public. The information was submitted for publication at 08:30 am CET on May 26, 2011.
Active Biotech Presents Data regarding the 57-57 Project at EULAR: http://hugin.info/1002/R/1518851/455336.pdf
This announcement is distributed by Thomson Reuters on behalf of Thomson Reuters clients. The owner of this announcement warrants that:
(i) the releases contained herein are protected by copyright and other applicable laws; and
(ii) they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.
Source: Active Biotech via Thomson Reuters ONE
[HUG#1518851]
Active Biotech AB
PO Box 724, SE-220 07 Lund
Sweden
Tel: +46 (0)46-19 20 00
Fax: +46 (0)46-19 11 00
