RICHMOND, Calif., Nov. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sangamo BioSciences, Inc. today announced that data from its program to develop a ZFP Therapeutic(TM) for neuropathic pain were presented at the 8th International Conference on the Mechanisms and Treatment of Neuropathic Pain on November 5, 2005, in San Francisco. The studies report the development of Sangamo’s program to use zinc finger DNA-binding protein transcription factors (ZFP TF(TM)) as potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of neuropathic pain.
“Our data show that we have designed ZFP TFs that, in human cells and primary nerve cells, can significantly repress the expression of a well-validated gene target for neuropathic pain, TrkA,” said Dr. Philip Gregory, Sangamo’s vice president of research. “These data are very encouraging and we are in the process of testing this novel approach in animal models including a model of bone cancer pain.”
“Neuropathic pain represents a significant unmet medical need,” said Edward Lanphier, Sangamo’s president and CEO. “It is estimated that as many as 80 million people in the US live with chronic pain derived from a variety of sources including back pain and cancer. Annual sales for over-the-counter analgesics alone add up to $3 billion and prescribed drugs account for another $100 billion a year. Only 15-30% of neuropathic pain is treatable using opioids, the most potent existing pain relievers, which have many undesirable side effects. The promise of the “better opioid” that is non-addictive and side effect free has not materialized. We believe that our ability to specifically repress the TrkA gene using ZFP TFs may enable the development of a more effective therapeutic to address neuropathic pain.”
Neuropathic pain is the result of an injury or malfunction in the peripheral or central nervous system. Such pain can also result from infiltration or compression of nerves by tumors or inflammation of the nerve as a consequence of infection. Neuropathic pain is frequently chronic, and often fails to respond to standard analgesic treatment. Opioids may give a degree of relief, but in many cases only at doses impractical for what may be a lifelong regimen.
About Sangamo
Sangamo BioSciences, Inc. is focused on the research and development of novel DNA-binding proteins for therapeutic gene regulation and modification. The most advanced ZFP Therapeutic(TM) development programs are currently in Phase I clinical trials for evaluation of safety in patients with diabetic neuropathy and peripheral artery disease. Other therapeutic development programs are focused on macular degeneration, ischemic heart disease, congestive heart failure, neuropathic pain, and infectious and monogenic diseases. Sangamo’s core competencies enable the engineering of a class of DNA-binding proteins known as zinc finger DNA-binding proteins (ZFPs). By engineering ZFPs that recognize a specific DNA sequence Sangamo has created ZFP transcription factors (ZFP TF(TM)) that can control gene expression and, consequently, cell function. Sangamo is also developing sequence-specific ZFP Nucleases (ZFN(TM)) for therapeutic gene modification as a treatment for a variety of monogenic diseases, such as sickle cell anemia, and for infectious diseases, such as HIV. Sangamo has established several Enabling Technology Agreements with companies to apply its ZFP Technology to enhance the production of protein pharmaceuticals. In addition, Sangamo has a broad exclusive agreement with Dow AgroSciences, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company, for the application of ZFP TFs and ZFNs in plant agriculture. For more information about Sangamo, visit the company’s web site at http://www.sangamo.com .
This press release may contain forward-looking statements based on Sangamo’s current expectations. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, references to the research and development of novel ZFP TFs and ZFNs and therapeutic applications of Sangamo’s ZFP technology platform. Actual results may differ materially from these forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including technological challenges, Sangamo’s ability to develop commercially viable products and technological developments by our competitors. See the company’s SEC filings, and in particular, the risk factors described in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and its most recent 10-Q. Sangamo BioSciences, Inc. assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking information contained in this press release.
Sangamo BioSciences, Inc.
CONTACT: Elizabeth Wolffe of Sangamo BioSciences, Inc., Ph.D.,+1-510-970-6000, ext. 271, ewolffe@sangamo.com; Justin Jackson,+1-212-213-0006, or Investors: John Cummings, +1-415-352-6262, both ofBurns McClellan, Inc. for Sangamo BioSciences, Inc.
Web site: http://www.sangamo.com/