CAMBRIDGE, Mass., April 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Mersana, a cancer therapeutics company, announced today that results of preclinical studies with its lead product candidate, XMT-1001, will be presented in two posters at the 2007 Annual Meeting of the American Association of Cancer Research (AACR) taking place April 14-18th in Los Angeles, CA. Full text of the abstracts can be viewed online at the AACR website at http://www.AACR.org.
The presentation schedule is as follows:
Abstract #781 “XMT-1001, a novel polymeric prodrug of camptothecin, is a potent inhibitor of LS174 and A2780 human tumor xenografts in a mouse model” will be presented in a poster session on Sunday, April 15th from 8:00 am - 12:00 pm. Alex Yurkovetskiy and Russell C. Petter are the presenting authors.
Abstract #4723 “Pharmacokinetics of a novel camptothecin conjugate (XMT- 1001) in the rat and dog” will be presented in a poster session on Tuesday, April 17th from 1:00 - 5:00 pm. Ullrich Schwertschlag and Alex Yurkovetskiy are the presenting authors.
About XMT-1101
XMT-1001 is Mersana’s most advanced Fleximer(R)-based product candidate. It utilizes a novel, dual release mechanism to liberate a camptothecin prodrug, which is then converted within cells into camptothecin, a DNA topoisomerase I inhibitor. In preclinical studies, XMT-1001 was better tolerated and more efficacious than either camptothecin or irinotecan in models of human cancer, showing extended plasma half-life and high concentrations in tumor tissue.
About Fleximer Technology
Fleximer(R) technology improves the therapeutic index of cytotoxic compounds useful as anti-cancer agents by uniquely combining biodegradability with “biological stealth” properties, making Fleximer(R) materials and their conjugates long-circulating and non-immunotoxic. Fleximer(R) molecules are characterized by solubility in water, stability in common manufacturing procedures and in normal physiological conditions, and non-enzymatic biodegradability upon uptake by cells.
About Mersana Therapeutics, Inc.
Mersana, a privately held, venture-backed company, is developing novel oncology agents based on clinically validated drugs through the use of Fleximer(R), a proprietary bio-degradable and bio-inert material that enhances the pharmacokinetics, safety, and solubility of drugs. Mersana has an exclusive license from the Massachusetts General Hospital for its core technologies. Mersana’s pipeline includes compounds with activity against multiple tumor types and human proof-of-concept that are improved by its proprietary technologies. Mersana’s investors include Fidelity Biosciences, ProQuest Investments, Rho Ventures, Harris & Harris Group and PureTech Ventures.
Mersana Therapeutics, Inc.
CONTACT: Pete Leone, COO of Mersana, +1-617-498-0020
Web site: http://www.AACR.org/
