SEATTLE, May 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- ZymoGenetics, Inc. today announced the upcoming presentation of preliminary results from clinical trials with atacicept in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia and Interleukin 21 (IL-21) in malignant melanoma at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2007 annual meeting. Details about the poster presentations are as follows:
Atacicept in B-Cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (B-CLL)
Results from a Phase 1b open-label, dose escalation study sponsored by ZymoGenetics and Merck Serono with atacicept in patients with refractory or relapsed disease will be discussed in a poster presentation of the Developmental Therapeutics: Immunotherapy session on Sunday, June 3. The lead author for abstract # 3029 is D. M. Kofler, of the First Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
IL-21 Malignant Melanoma
Preliminary results from the first stage of a Novo Nordisk Phase 2 open- label clinical trial with IL-21 in patients with unresectable stage IV malignant melanoma (MM) will be discussed in a poster presentation of the Developmental Therapeutics: Immunotherapy session on Sunday, June 3. The lead author for abstract # 3055 is Ian D. Davis of Austin Health of Melbourne Australia.
About Atacicept
ZymoGenetics and Merck Serono are developing atacicept (formerly referred to as TACI-Ig) for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and B-cell malignancies. Atacicept contains the soluble TACI receptor that binds to the cytokines BLyS and APRIL. These cytokines are members of the tumor necrosis factor family that promote B-cell survival and autoantibody production associated with certain autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Current data indicates that levels of BLyS and APRIL are elevated in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, SLE and B-cell malignancies. Atacicept has been shown to affect several stages of B-cell development and may inhibit the survival of cells responsible for making antibodies.
About Interleukin 21 (IL-21)
IL-21 has potent biological activity in regulating key classes of immune cells, including cytotoxic T cells and natural killer cells. These cell types play key roles in surveillance of the body to eliminate malignant and infected cells. Based upon the ability of IL-21 to inhibit tumor growth in a number of animal models, ZymoGenetics is developing IL-21 for the treatment of cancer, initially in metastatic melanoma and renal cell carcinoma and has retained commercialization rights for IL-21 in North America. The company licensed commercialization rights outside of North America to Novo Nordisk A/S.
About ZymoGenetics
ZymoGenetics creates novel protein drugs with the potential to significantly help patients fight their diseases. The Company is developing a diverse pipeline of potential proprietary product candidates that are moving into and through clinical development. These candidates span a wide array of clinical opportunities that include bleeding, autoimmune diseases and cancer. ZymoGenetics intends to commercialize these product candidates through internal development, collaborations with partners, and out-licensing of patents from its extensive patent portfolio. For further information, visit http://www.zymogenetics.com.
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on the current intent and expectations of the management of ZymoGenetics. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. ZymoGenetics' actual results and the timing and outcome of events may differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements because of risks associated with our unproven discovery strategy, preclinical and clinical development, regulatory oversight, intellectual property claims and litigation and other risks detailed in the company's public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006. Except as required by law, ZymoGenetics undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking or other statements in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Contact Investor Relations John Calhoun, MD, MBA Director, Corporate Communications & Investor Relations (206) 442-6744 Media Relations Susan W. Specht, MBA Associate Director, Corporate Communications (206) 442-6592
ZymoGenetics, Inc.CONTACT: Investors, John Calhoun, MD, MBA, Director, CorporateCommunications & Investor Relations, +1-206-442-6744, Media, Susan W.Specht, MBA, Associate Director, Corporate Communications, +1-206-442-6592,both of ZymoGenetics, Inc.
Web site: http://www.zymogenetics.com/
