WASHINGTON, April 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Introgen Therapeutics, Inc. and researchers at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC) today reported that MDA-7, the active component of INGN 241, effectively kills cancer cells that are resistant to cisplatin, one of the most commonly used chemotherapeutic agents. The preclinical studies also identified a novel defect in a protein degradation pathway in the cisplatin- resistant cells. Significantly, this defect enhances the activity of INGN 241, suggesting that INGN 241 may have particular utility in treating cancers that do not respond to cisplatin. The data are published in the Proceedings of the American Association of Cancer Research for the 97th Annual Meeting (AACR), held in Washington, D.C.
"These findings are important for the clinical development of INGN 241 and for the treatment of cisplatin-resistant cancers in general," said Sunil Chada, Ph.D., associate vice president, Clinical Research and Development, at Introgen. "The data presented today demonstrate that INGN 241 kills ovarian and lung cancer cells that are resistant to cisplatin, suggesting that this investigational therapy may be an important treatment option for patients who develop cisplatin resistance. Additionally, we have identified a novel mechanism for overcoming cisplatin resistance. Knowledge of this mechanism may support the development of additional interventions that overcome resistance to cisplatin and, potentially, other chemotherapeutic agents."
The studies, reported in Abstract #3744, were designed to determine if INGN 241 could effectively kill cisplatin-resistant cancer cells. The results show that INGN 241 had potent cell killing effects in both cisplatin-sensitive and cisplatin-resistant cells. Surprisingly, the anti-cancer activity of INGN 241 was more pronounced in the cisplatin resistant cells. Additional studies were then undertaken to determine the molecular basis for this observation. Data show that cisplatin-resistant cells have a defect in a protein degradation pathway. This defect leads to the accumulation of MDA-7 protein in the cell, resulting in enhanced INGN 241 activity an increased programmed cell death (apoptosis).
"Chemo-resistance poses a significant barrier to achieving good clinical outcomes, and leaves many cancer patients with limited treatment options," said Dr. Rajagopal Ramesh, Associate Professor, Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Medicine at M. D. Anderson and principal investigator of the study. "The results of these studies support the evaluation of INGN 241 in patients with cisplatin-resistant cancers, and open the door to a new area of oncology research and drug development."
About INGN 241
In a Phase 1 trial of INGN 241 clinical activity was observed in patients with advanced melanoma. Based on the encouraging findings of INGN 241 treatment in the Phase 1 clinical trial, later stage trials have been initiated. A Phase 2 trial in patients with metastatic melanoma and a Phase 3 trial for solid tumors in combination with radiation therapy are ongoing. The mda-7 gene was discovered by the laboratory of Dr. Paul B. Fisher, professor of clinical pathology at Columbia University. Introgen holds an exclusive worldwide license for all gene therapy applications from the Corixa Corporation.
About Introgen
Introgen Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of targeted molecular therapies for the treatment of cancer and other diseases. Introgen is developing molecular therapeutics, immunotherapies, vaccines and nano-particle tumor suppressor therapies to treat a wide range of cancers using tumor suppressors, cytokines and genes. Introgen maintains integrated research, development, manufacturing, clinical and regulatory departments and operates multiple manufacturing facilities including a commercial scale cGMP manufacturing facility.
Introgen holds a licensing agreement with M. D. Anderson Cancer Center to commercialize products based on licensed technologies, and has the option to license future technologies under sponsored research agreements. The University of Texas Board of Regents owns stock in Introgen. These arrangements are managed in accordance with M. D. Anderson's conflict of interest policies.
Statements in this release that are not strictly historical may be "forward-looking" statements, including those relating to Introgen's future success with the clinical development of INGN 241 for cancers resistant to chemotherapies. The actual results may differ from those described in this release due to risks and uncertainties that exist in Introgen's operations and business environment, including Introgen's stage of product development and the limited experience in the development of gene-based drugs in general, dependence upon proprietary technology and the current competitive environment, history of operating losses and accumulated deficits, reliance on collaborative relationships, and uncertainties related to clinical trials, the safety and efficacy of Introgen's product candidates, the ability to obtain the appropriate regulatory approvals, Introgen's patent protection and market acceptance, as well as other risks detailed from time to time in Introgen's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission including its filings on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q. Introgen undertakes no obligation to publicly release the results of any revisions to any forward-looking statements that reflect events or circumstances arising after the date hereof.
Editor's Note: For more information on Introgen Therapeutics, or for a menu of archived press releases, please visit Introgen's Website at: http://www.introgen.com .
Contact: Introgen Therapeutics, Inc. C. Channing Burke (512) 708 9310 Ext. 322 Email: c.burke@introgen.com
Introgen Therapeutics, Inc.CONTACT: C. Channing Burke of Introgen Therapeutics, Inc., +1-512-708-9310Ext. 322, or c.burke@introgen.com
