LEUVEN, Belgium, May 2 /PRNewswire/ --
- Lead Pre-Clinical Candidate TB- 403 (Anti-PlGF) Set to Enter the Clinic in Late 2007
ThromboGenics NV , a biotechnology company focused on vascular disease, today provided an update highlighting progress with its pre-clinical development portfolio. As part of this update, the Company announced an out-licensing agreement for the antibodies against platelet glycoprotein Ib (anti-GPIb) and von Willebrand Factor (anti-vWF), which it has been developing as novel anti-thrombotic agents. This out-licensing deal has been concluded so that the Company can focus its resources on its more advanced pre-clinical programs such as TB-403 (anti-PIGF), which is due to enter the clinic later this year. ThromboGenics also confirmed today that its current clinical programs are continuing to progress in line with earlier guidance.
ThromboGenics’ preclinical portfolio currently comprises TB-403 (anti-PlGF, jointly being developed with BioInvent AB, Sweden), PlGF (jointly being developed with Geymonat SpA, Italy), anti-GPIb / anti-vWF, and anti-VPAC.
TB-403 (anti-PlGF) is a humanized monoclonal antibody that blocks the formation of new blood vessels in solid tumors, reducing the growth and spread of cancer cells. It has a unique mode of action that may provide important benefits in comparison to existing anti-angiogenesis compounds in the treatment of cancer. Toxicology studies with TB-403 are well advanced and this novel antibody is expected to proceed to Phase I clinical trials by the end of this year. The unique results that have been obtained in animal models with anti-PlGF have been submitted to a prestigious scientific journal and will be presented at important international congresses later this year.
PlGF, a vascular growth factor for the treatment of heart failure, is moving as planned both in terms of its pre-clinical evaluation and route of manufacture. Current development efforts are focusing on a variant with superior stability which should move into toxicology studies by year end.
Anti-VPAC, a humanized monoclonal antibody that increases the number of blood platelets after bone marrow suppression with chemotherapy, is showing great promise in experimental animal models. This compound, which could move into toxicology studies by 2008, has the potential to replace expensive platelet transfusions, which are currently used in clinical practice.
ThromboGenics has decided, in order to focus its resources on these exciting pre-clinical programs, to out-license the antibodies against platelet glycoprotein Ib (anti-GPIb) and von Willebrand Factor (anti-vWF). These antibodies, which have the potential to become novel anti-thrombotic agents have been out-licensed to the D. Collen Research Foundation, V.Z.W. (DCRF), a charity that supports progress in medical science. In return for this license, ThromboGenics has received a lump sum payment equal to the Company’s total investment in the programs, and a 25 percent share of any future revenue that DCRF may receive from these programs.
Regarding its clinical portfolio, ThromboGenics announces that all previously announced clinical trials with microplasmin and TB-402 (anti-Factor VIII) are actively enrolling patients. ThromboGenics will have four unique biopharmaceuticals in clinical development when TB-403 (anti-PlGF) moves into Phase I clinical trials later this year.
Commenting on today’s announcement, Prof. Desire Collen, Chairman and CEO of ThromboGenics, said: “I am happy to report that we are making good progress with both our clinical and pre-clinical development portfolios. The out-licensing deal for our earlier stage pre-clinical programs that we announced today highlights ThromboGenics desire to focus its own resources on our more advanced programs. This is a strategy which we believe will deliver the most value to our shareholders in the near to mid-term.”
About ThromboGenics
ThromboGenics is a biotechnology company focused on discovery and development of biopharmaceuticals for the treatment of a range of vascular diseases. The Company has several programs in Phase II clinical development including microplasmin, which is being evaluated as a treatment for vitreoretinal disorders and as a thrombolytic agent for vascular occlusive diseases, including acute stroke. ThromboGenics also has one program, TB-402 (Anti-Factor VIII), in Phase I clinical trials, and three other drug candidates in preclinical development with preclinical proof-of-principle demonstrated. ThromboGenics has built strong links with the University of Leuven and has exclusive rights to certain therapeutics developed at the University. ThromboGenics is headquartered in Leuven, Belgium and has subsidiaries in Dublin, Ireland, and New York, U.S. The Company is listed on Eurolist by Euronext Brussels under the symbol THR. More information is available at www.thrombogenics.com.
Important information about forward-looking statements
Certain statements in this press release may be considered “forward-looking”. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, and, accordingly, entail and are influenced by various risks and uncertainties. The Company therefore cannot provide any assurance that such forward-looking statements will materialize and does not assume an obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or any other reason. Additional information concerning risks and uncertainties affecting the business and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement is contained in the prospectus.
ThromboGenics NV
CONTACT: For further information please contact: ThromboGenics, Prof.Desire Collen, CEO, Dr. Patrik De Haes, COO, Tel: +32-(0)-16-34-61-94;Citigate Dewe Rogerson, David Dible / Valerie Auffray, Tel:+44-(0)-207-638-95-71
