SAN CARLOS, Calif., Sept. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Nuvelo, Inc. today announced the publication of data from a study of preclinical candidate, NU206 (R-Spondin1), describing the mechanism which regulates the Wnt pathway. By increasing the cell surface levels of low-density lipoprotein-receptor-related protein 6 (LRP6), NU206 is able to stimulate the Wnt pathway, a signaling pathway that is critical for cell growth and differentiation during homeostasis and pathogenesis. The study, entitled “R-Spondin1 regulates Wnt signaling by inhibiting internalization of LRP6,” appears in the September 11th issue of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS).
“This study expands our understanding of the link between NU206 and the Wnt signaling pathway,” said Michael Levy, executive vice president of research and development for Nuvelo. “In addition to NU206, we are assessing the therapeutic potential of the RSpondin family of secreted proteins in our Wnt therapeutics program, which is targeting a range of indications where cell regeneration and differentiation are important to disease processes, including gastrointestinal disease, bone disorders, wound healing and cancer.”
About NU206 and R-Spondin secreted proteins
NU206 (R-spondin1) is a recombinant, secreted protein that acts as a highly specific regulator of the gastrointestinal (GI) epithelial cells as demonstrated in early animal studies. Preclinical studies suggest it can promote growth and tissue regeneration in animal models of radiation treatment or chemotherapy for cancer, as well as in animal models of inflammatory bowel disease.
The R-Spondin (RSpo) family of secreted proteins are the first biologic agents that can be used to enhance endogenous Wnt signaling in vivo, and provide therapeutic potential in diseases that are dependent on the Wnt pathway for restoration of homeostasis or tissue repair. RSpo proteins are novel regulators of the Wnt pathway and were first identified by Nuvelo as potent gastrointestinal mitogens in transgenic mice(1).
About Nuvelo and Kirin’s Joint Collaborative Effort
Scientists from Nuvelo and Kirin worked together to identify and characterize NU206 as part of a collaboration focused on the discovery of novel, secreted proteins. NU206 is the first compound to enter preclinical studies from this program. Nuvelo signed a collaboration agreement with Kirin in April 2005 to develop NU206. Under the agreement, Nuvelo leads worldwide development, manufacturing and commercialization and all operating expenses and profits related to the development and commercialization of NU206 are shared 60% (Nuvelo)/40% (Kirin).
About Nuvelo
Nuvelo, Inc. is dedicated to improving the lives of patients through the discovery, development and commercialization of novel drugs for acute cardiovascular disease, cancer and other debilitating medical conditions. Nuvelo’s development pipeline includes alfimeprase, a direct acting fibrinolytic in Phase 2 clinical development for the treatment of thrombotic-related disorders including acute ischemic stroke and catheter occlusion; and preclinical candidates NU206 for the potential treatment of chemotherapy/radiation therapy-induced mucositis and inflammatory bowel disease and NU172, a direct thrombin inhibitor for use as a potential short-acting anticoagulant during medical or surgical procedures. In addition, Nuvelo expects to leverage its expertise in leukemia therapeutic antibody and Wnt signaling pathway research to further expand its pipeline and create additional partnering and licensing opportunities.
Information about Nuvelo is available at our website at http://www.nuvelo.com or by phoning 650-517-8000.
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” regarding the timing and progress of Nuvelo’s clinical programs, including the timing of the progress of Nuvelo research and development programs, and the potential improvement or benefit that current and future research or development programs may demonstrate, which statements are hereby identified as “forward-looking statements” for purposes of the safe harbor provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are based on our management’s current expectations and involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results and performance could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including, without limitation, uncertainties relating to drug discovery; clinical development processes; changes in relationships with strategic partners and dependence upon strategic partners for the performance of critical activities under collaborative agreements; the impact of competitive products and technological changes; uncertainties relating to intellectual property protection, and uncertainties relating to our ability to obtain funding. These and other factors are identified and described in more detail in Nuvelo filings with the SEC, including without limitation Nuvelo’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2007 and subsequent filings. We disclaim any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
(1) Kim et al. (2005) Mitogenic influence of human R-Spondin1 on the
intestinal epithelium. Science 309.
Nuvelo, Inc.
CONTACT: Lee Bendekgey, SVP, CFO & General Counsel of Nuvelo, Inc.,+1-650-517-8358, lbendekgey@nuvelo.com; or Nicole Foderaro of WeissCommPartners, Inc., +1-415-946-1058, nfoderaro@wcpglobal.com, for Nuvelo, Inc.
Web site: http://www.nuvelo.com/
