SAN DIEGO, Sept. 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Lpath, Inc. , the category leader in therapeutic agents against bioactive lipids, reported positive results in several murine models of human cancer and AMD with Lpathomab(TM), the company’s mouse monoclonal antibody against LPA (lysophosphatidic acid). These results confirm the expected potent anti-angiogenic and anti-metastatic actions of Lpathomab. Lpathomab was created using Lpath’s proprietary ImmuneY2(TM) platform technology.
Based on this positive outcome, Lpath will collaborate with DataMabs of London, England, to humanize Lpathomab to create a lead antibody for pre- clinical development.
LPA is a bioactive lipid long recognized as a significant promoter of cancer-cell growth and metastasis in a broad range of tumor types, as well as a significant contributor to neuropathic pain.
“Humanizing our Lpathomab antibody is a vital next step in moving the project into the clinic,” said Genevieve Hansen, Ph.D., Lpath’s vice president of research. “We’ve had great success in the past working with DataMabs and look forward to working with them again on our Lpathomab project.”
This achievement with Lpathomab comes on the heels of Lpath’s success with its Sphingomab(TM) program. Sphingomab is an antibody against another bioactive lipid, S1P. Lpath humanized the antibody in 2006 and plans to file an IND in November of this year for the use of ASONEP(TM) (the systemic formulation of humanized Sphingomab) for the treatment of cancer. It also plans to file a second IND early next year for the use of iSONEP(TM) (the ocular formulation of humanized Sphingomab) for the treatment of AMD. The company plans to submit an IND filing for the use of humanized Lpathomab in 2009.
Dr. Roger Sabbadini, the founder and CSO of Lpath, commented, “These exciting results provide further validation of lipidomic-based therapeutics as an important new area of drug discovery. Lpath was one of the first companies to recognize that bioactive-lipid-signaling molecules, like S1P and LPA, could be excellent targets for rational drug design. By pursuing these targets and demonstrating compelling efficacy, we’ve opened up an entire class of lipidomic-based therapeutics for the treatment of cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, immune function, inflammation, pain, mental disorders, and cardiovascular disease.”
Scientists now believe that there are over 1,000 members of the functional lipidome, each of which is a new potential target for therapeutic intervention.
About Lpath:
Lpath, Inc., headquartered in San Diego, California, is the category leader in lipidomics-based therapeutics, an emerging field of medical science whereby bioactive signaling lipids are targeted for treating important human diseases. ASONEP(TM) (the systemic formulation of humanized form of Sphingomab(TM)) is an antibody against S1P that holds promise for the treatment of cancer and other diseases. A second product candidate, iSONEP(TM) (the ocular formulation of humanized Sphingomab), has demonstrated superior results in various preclinical AMD and retinopathy models. Lpath’s third product candidate, Lpathomab(TM), is an antibody against LPA, a key bioactive lipid that has been long recognized as a valid disease target. The company’s unique ability to generate novel antibodies against bioactive lipids is based on its ImmuneY2(TM) drug-discovery engine, which the company is using to add to its pipeline. For more information, visit http://www.Lpath.com
Forward-Looking Statements
Except for statements of historical fact, the matters discussed in this press release are forward looking and reflect numerous assumptions and involve a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control and may cause actual results to differ materially from stated expectations. For example, there can be no assurance that required clinical trials will be successful, necessary regulatory approvals will be obtained, or the proposed treatments will prove to be safe or effective. Actual results may also differ substantially from those described in or contemplated by this press release due to risks and uncertainties that exist in our operations and business environment, including, without limitation, our limited experience in the development of therapeutic drugs, our dependence upon proprietary technology, our history of operating losses and accumulated deficits, our reliance on research grants, current and future competition, and other risks described from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to release publicly the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances arising after the date hereof.
Contact: Scott Pancoast Investor Relations (858) 678-0800 x104 Liolios Group, Inc. spancoast@Lpath.com Scott Liolios or Ron Both http://www.Lpath.com (949) 574-3860
Lpath, Inc.
CONTACT: Scott Pancoast of Lpath, Inc., +1-858-678-0800, ext. 104,spancoast@Lpath.com; or Investors, Scott Liolios or Ron Both, both ofLiolios Group, Inc., +1-949-574-3860, for Lpath, Inc.
Web site: http://www.lpath.com/
