Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2000. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
PRNewswire - April 6, 2000
In the first presentation, Dr. Norbert Schulke, Investigator at Progenics, described preclinical findings on PRO 367, an agent designed to selectively target and destroy HIV-infected cells while preserving healthy cells. PRO 367 is an antibody-like molecule linked to a novel therapeutic radioisotope. PRO 367 binds avidly and specifically to the HIV envelope glycoprotein gp120 that is expressed on the surface of infected cells. Upon binding, PRO 367 delivers a lethal dose of alpha particle radiation. Dr. Schulke described the successful preparation of PRO 367 constructs suitable for clinical use as well as their demonstrated ability to selectively target gp120-expressing cells. The studies were performed in collaboration with researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. Although PRO 367 represents the first time alpha-emitting radioisotopes have been evaluated for treating viral diseases, promising clinical results have recently been reported in the field of cancer therapy. Compared with conventional radiotherapies, alpha particle immunotherapy may provide far more potent and localized cell-killing.
In the second presentation, Progenics' scientists presented new insights into the cascade of events required for HIV to fuse with, and infect, susceptible target cells. Progenics' scientists monitored the key steps of HIV fusion and their sensitivities to inhibitory compounds that act at various stages of the process. The findings support the advancement of several novel classes of HIV entry inhibitors that Progenics has in development, including attachment inhibitors such as PRO 542 and fusion inhibitors such as PRO 140. These studies employed the Company's ProSys(TM) assay system, which provides a rapid, homogenous, semi-automated and highly reproducible method for screening and characterizing inhibitors of viral entry. These methods are now being directed at exploring combinations of HIV entry inhibitors for potential synergistic effects.
"It has become increasingly apparent that effective control of HIV infection will require the development of new approaches to combating the virus," said Dr. William C. Olson, Senior Director of Research & Development at Progenics and senior author of the presentations. "Preventing new infections and destroying infected cells represent two promising strategies for realizing this important goal."
"HIV infection is a progressive, life-threatening disease for which there is great need for improved treatment options," said Ronald J. Prentki, President of Progenics. "The findings presented today illustrate the creative approaches to drug discovery and development being pursued by Progenics and its collaborators. In seeking novel targets and modalities to block viral entry, we have been able to create a portfolio of innovative agents which may represent the first of new classes of agents for the treatment of HIV infection."
Progenics Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focusing on the development and commercialization of products for the treatment and prevention of cancer, viral, and other life-threatening diseases. The Company's most advanced product, GMK, is a cancer vaccine in pivotal Phase III clinical trials for the treatment of malignant melanoma. A second cancer vaccine, MGV, with broad application to a variety of cancers, is entering Phase II trials. GMK and MGV are being developed in collaboration with Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. The Company, with Cytogen Corporation, has formed a joint venture focusing on the development of cancer immunotherapies based on PSMA (Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen) technology. The Company's lead HIV product, PRO 542, has completed two Phase I/II clinical trials, and two follow-on HIV products, PRO 367 and PRO 140, are preparing to commence Phase I/II trials. Progenics also has collaborations with F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd in the area of HIV fusion co-receptors, and with American Home Products and Pharmacopeia, Inc. focusing on small-molecules targeting the CD4 receptor. The Company is developing a novel small-molecule antioxidant, DHA, to treat stroke and other neurological disorders.
This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The Company's actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in the Company's Form 10-K Annual Reports for the year ended December 31, 1999, including the uncertainties associated with product development, the risk that clinical trials will not commence when planned, the risks and uncertainties associated with dependence upon the actions of government regulatory agencies and the risk that products that appeared promising in early clinical trials do not demonstrate efficacy in larger-scale clinical trials. In particular, there can be no assurance that the Company's HIV programs will achieve any of the specified milestones or result in the commercialization of a product.
Contact: Ronald J. Prentki, President of Progenics Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 914-789-2800, rprentki@progenics.com; investor - Patricia Dimond, Ph.D., ext. 245, or media - Matthew Knight, ext. 271, news@noonanrusso.com, both of Noonan/Russo Communications, Inc., 212-696-4455, for Progenics.
SOURCE Progenics Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
NOTE TO EDITORS: Additional information on Progenics is available at http://www.progenics.com. This release is available on the Internet at http://www.noonanrusso.com/
CONTACT: Ronald J. Prentki, President of Progenics Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 914-789-2800, rprentki@progenics.com; investor - Patricia Dimond, Ph.D., ext. 245, or media - Matthew Knight, ext. 271, news@noonanrusso.com, both of Noonan/Russo Communications, Inc., 212-696-4455, for Progenics/
Web Site: http://www.progenics.com/
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