MONTREAL--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 16, 2005--MethylGene Inc. (TSX:MYG) a biopharmaceutical company, today announced preclinical results regarding its multi-targeted kinase inhibitor program in a poster entitled, “Novel, Orally Active Multi-Kinase Inhibitors of c-Met and VEGF Receptor Family Exhibit Potent Antiangiogenic Activity and Antitumour Efficacy in Preclinical Models” (Poster A262). These date were presented during the EORTC-NCI-AACR (European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer, National Cancer Institute, American Association for Cancer Research) International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics, which met in Philadelphia from November 14-17, 2005. The data also disclosed that in addition to c-met and all three VEGF receptor targets, MethylGene’s lead molecules also target Tie-2, and Ron kinases. MethylGene has designed multiple series of small molecule lead kinase inhibitors that target a number of key kinases involved in tumour development and tumour blood vessel formation (angiogenesis). VEGF receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), c-met, Tie-2, and Ron are receptors involved in the initiation of angiogenesis and/or tumour growth. The optimized kinase inhibitors are orally available, have low nanomolar potency against target enzymes, show no overt toxicity and have broad spectrum anti-tumour activity in vivo at well-tolerated doses. The lead molecules consistently demonstrate equal or superior oral anti-tumour efficacy when compared to several competitor anti-angiogenesis inhibitors which are currently in late stage clinical trials. Moreover, some of the lead compounds have properties that allow for testing in ophthalmologic applications (in the eye) and proof-of-concept testing has begun with an undisclosed eye care company. The Company’s goal is to have identified a clinical candidate to begin IND enabling studies in 3-9 months.
