BLOOMFIELD, N.J., March 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Alfacell Corporation today announced that in vivo study results demonstrating the potential of ONCONASE (ranpirnase) for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were recently published in Anticancer Research (2007; 27: 299- 308).
Based on the work of Intae Lee, Ph.D., at the University of Pennsylvania, a paper entitled “Antitumor Efficacy of the Cytotoxic RNase, Ranpirnase, on A549 Human Lung Cancer Xenografts of Nude Mice” shows that:
* ONCONASE significantly inhibited tumor growth of A549 NSCLC cells both in vitro and in vivo; apoptosis was significantly induced by ONCONASE in a dose-dependent manner * Multiple small doses of ONCONASE were more effective than one large single dose of ONCONASE for the inhibition of tumor growth in animal studies * ONCONASE in combination with cisplatin significantly reduced tumor growth of A549 cells; in large tumors, including those unsuccessfully treated with cisplatin previously, ONCONASE demonstrated inhibition of tumor growth
“ONCONASE has important potential clinical uses for the treatment of NSCLC,” said Dr. Lee. “We are pleased that the results of our studies have helped to guide the clinical development of ONCONASE for NSCLC.”
Kuslima Shogen, Alfacell’s chairman and chief executive officer, said, “The publication of this paper in an important peer-reviewed journal is further recognition of the potential of ONCONASE. This data is evidence that ONCONASE has the potential to overcome resistance to, and enhance the performance of, cisplatin. We expect to continue advancing ONCONASE through the development process as we work to build a broad franchise in different therapeutic areas and via multiple treatment modalities.”
About ONCONASE(R)
ONCONASE is a first-in-class therapeutic based on Alfacell’s proprietary ribonuclease (RNase) technology. A natural protein isolated from the leopard frog, ONCONASE has been shown in the laboratory and clinic to target cancer cells while sparing normal cells. ONCONASE triggers apoptosis, the natural death of cells, via multiple molecular mechanisms of action.
About Alfacell Corporation
Alfacell Corporation is the first company to advance a biopharmaceutical product candidate that works in a manner similar to RNA interference (RNAi) through late-stage clinical trials. The product candidate, ONCONASE, is an RNase that overcomes the challenges of targeting RNA for therapeutic purposes while enabling the development of a new class of targeted therapies for cancer and other life-threatening diseases. In addition to an ongoing Phase IIIb study in malignant mesothelioma, Alfacell is conducting a Phase I/II trial of ONCONASE in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and other solid tumors. For more information, visit www.alfacell.com.
Safe Harbor
This press release includes statements that may constitute “forward- looking” statements, usually containing the words “believe,” “estimate,” “project,” “expect” or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Factors that would cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, uncertainties involved in transitioning from concept to product, uncertainties involving the ability of the company to finance research and development activities, potential challenges to or violations of patents, uncertainties regarding the outcome of clinical trials, the company’s ability to secure necessary approvals from regulatory agencies, dependence upon third-party vendors, and other risks discussed in the company’s periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. By making these forward-looking statements, the company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release.
Media Contact: Investor Contact: David Schull or Wendy Lau Andreas Marathovouniotis Noonan Russo Noonan Russo 212-845-4271 212-845-4253 david.schull@eurorscg.comandreas.marathis@eurorscg.comwendy.lau1@eurorscg.com
Alfacell Corporation
CONTACT: Media: David Schull, david.schull@eurorscg.com, or Wendy Lau,wendy.lau1@eurorscg.com, +1-212-845-4271, or Investors: AndreasMarathovouniotis, andreas.marathis@eurorscg.com, +1-212-845-4253, all ofNoonan Russo for Alfacell Corporation
Web site: http://www.alfacell.com/
