SOMERSET, N.J., July 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Alfacell Corporation today announced that a paper published in Cancer Biology & Therapy (2007; Vol. 6, Issue 8) further confirms previous in vitro research that the cytotoxic effects of ONCONASE results from its catalytic activity.
The paper is the result of pre-clinical research conducted by Alfacell and collaborators at Martin-Luther University in Halle-Wittenberg, Germany that investigated the relationship between the stability and ribonucleolytic activity of ONCONASE and several genetically engineered variants of ONCONASE, and their cytostatic and cytotoxic properties in several tumor cell lines. Human tumor cell lines used in the study included NCI-H2452 (mesothelioma), K- 562 (chronic myelogenous leukemia) and A-253 (epidermoid carcinoma). In all cases, the data showed that ONCONASE was more effective than the variants. Additionally, the paper also confirms previous research indicating that the cytotoxic and cytostatic effects of ONCONASE are predominantly determined by its catalytic activity rather than by conformational stability.
“We are pleased that this published research not only confirms the cytotoxic effects of ONCONASE, but also provides evidence that the natural form of ONCONASE is the most effective form,” said Kuslima Shogen, Alfacell’s chairman and chief executive officer. “The data generated by Cindy Schulenberg of Martin-Luther University while she was at Alfacell as a visiting scientist serves as validation and support for our ongoing ONCONASE clinical and pre-clinical development programs.”
About ONCONASE(R)
ONCONASE is a first-in-class product candidate based on Alfacell’s proprietary ribonuclease (RNase) technology. A natural protein isolated from the leopard frog, ONCONASE has been shown in the laboratory and clinic to target cancer cells while sparing normal cells. ONCONASE triggers apoptosis, the natural death of cells, via multiple molecular mechanisms of action.
About Alfacell Corporation
Alfacell Corporation is the first company to advance a biopharmaceutical product candidate that works in a manner similar to RNA interference (RNAi) through late-stage clinical trials. The product candidate, ONCONASE, is an RNase that overcomes the challenges of targeting RNA for therapeutic purposes while enabling the development of a new class of targeted therapies for cancer and other life-threatening diseases. In addition to an ongoing Phase IIIb study in malignant mesothelioma, Alfacell is conducting a Phase I/II trial of ONCONASE in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and other solid tumors. For more information, visit www.alfacell.com.
Safe Harbor
This press release includes statements that may constitute “forward- looking” statements, usually containing the words “believe,” “estimate,” “project,” “expect” or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Factors that would cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, uncertainties involved in transitioning from concept to product, uncertainties involving the ability of the company to finance research and development activities, potential challenges to or violations of patents, uncertainties regarding the outcome of clinical trials, the company’s ability to secure necessary approvals from regulatory agencies, dependence upon third-party vendors, and other risks discussed in the company’s periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. By making these forward-looking statements, the company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release.
Media Contact: Investor Contact: David Schull or Wendy Lau Andreas Marathovouniotis Russo Partners Russo Partners 212-845-4271 212-845-4253 david.schull@russopartnersllc.comandreas.marathis@russopartnersllc.comwendy.lau@russopartnersllc.com
Alfacell Corporation
CONTACT: Media, David Schull, david.schull@russopartnersllc.com or WendyLau, wendy.lau@russopartnersllc.com, +1-212-845-4271, or Investors, AndreasMarathovouniotis, +1-212-845-4253, orandreas.marathis@russopartnersllc.com, all of Russo Partners
Web site: http://www.alfacell.com/
