- Results Presented at the International Workshop on Myelin Imaging in
Vancouver -
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Feb. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Xanthus Life Sciences, Inc.,
today announced that data from a study conducted with a Multiple Sclerosis
(MS) animal model demonstrated that Symadex(TM) permitted remyelination by
prevention of inflammatory cell infiltration. Stephen J. Karlik, Ph.D.,
Professor of Diagnostic Radiology at the University of Western Ontario,
London, Ontario presented the research findings on February 10, 2006 at the
International Workshop on Myelin Imaging, in Vancouver.
Dr. Karlik is widely recognized for investigating potential new therapies
for MS in a specialized animal model of human MS that incorporates both
inflammatory and demyelinating properties. Symadex was found to produce
remyelination in the study even after 40 days of inflammatory insult by
preventing the infiltration of autoreactive cells into the central nervous
system. Treatment proved to be effective in both the acute and chronic
presentations of disease.
"The early results from this study showed that the animals in the study,
which were paralyzed due to neurological impairment, were able to recover and
regain their mobility after treatment with Symadex," commented Dr. Karlik.
"Symadex is now in Phase 2 trials in oncology and the positive results of
this animal model study show the candidate's potential for treating MS and
provide the support needed to advance Symadex towards human trials for MS,"
said Michael A. Boss, PhD. Chief Business Officer at Xanthus.
About Symadex(TM)
Symadex (formerly C-1311) is a next-generation investigational drug that
has shown a potentially novel, targeted mechanism of action in studies of
cancer and autoimmune disease. Symadex was developed to deliver efficacy
comparable to the anthracenediones (e.g., Novantrone(R) (mitoxantrone)), but
with a molecular scaffold intended to reduce the cardio- and hemato-toxicities
known to be associated with these active drugs. Additionally, in previous
preclinical studies, Symadex has shown early evidence of both oral activity
and efficacy in various models of acquired drug resistance and autoimmune
disease. The Company is conducting Phase 2 clinical trials with Symadex in
several tumor indications and is also exploring the use of Symadex for the
treatment of a number of autoimmune diseases, such as Multiple Sclerosis.
About Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, unpredictable disease of the central
nervous system that, according to the National MS Society, affects
approximately 400,000 people in the United States and approximately 2.5
million people worldwide. It is a disease typically of young adults, mostly
women, with onset typically between 20 and 50 years of age. Each hour someone
is newly diagnosed. MS symptoms may include vision problems, loss of balance,
numbness, difficulty walking and even complete paralysis.
About Xanthus Life Sciences, Inc.
Xanthus Life Sciences, Inc. is developing a portfolio of novel, clinical-
stage, small-molecule oncology drugs through a management team whose
accomplished track record encompasses all aspects of drug development, from
discovery through regulatory approval and commercialization. The Company is
applying its expertise both to advance its current pipeline and expand it into
indications of unmet medical need beyond oncology.
Xanthus is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts with an additional
facility in Montreal, Quebec. More information is available at http://www.xanthus.com.
This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning Xanthus
that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. For this purpose, any
statements contained herein that are not statements of historical fact may be
deemed to be forward-looking statements. Without limiting the foregoing, the
words, "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "estimates," "intends,"
"should," "could," "will," "may," and similar expressions are intended to
identify forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors
that could cause Xanthus' actual results to differ materially from those
indicated by such forward-looking statements, including risks as to whether
results obtained in early clinical studies or in preclinical studies such as
the studies referred to above will be indicative of results obtained in future
clinical trials or warrant additional trials; whether products based on
Xanthus' technology will advance through the clinical trial process and
receive approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration or
equivalent foreign regulatory agencies; whether the company will have the cash
resources to develop and commercialize its products; and whether the patent
and patent applications owned or licensed by Xanthus will protect the
Company's technology and prevent others from infringing it. Xanthus disclaims
any intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
Contacts:
Kari Watson, MacDougall Biomedical Communications, Inc. -
kwatson@macbiocom.com or (508) 647-0209
John A. McCarthy, Jr., Senior Vice President & CFO, Xanthus Life Sciences,
Inc. - john.mccarthy@xanthus.com or (617) 225-0522, x 125
SOURCE Xanthus Life Sciences, Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.xanthus.com
CONTACT:
Kari Watson, MacDougall Biomedical
Communications, Inc., 508-647-0209, or kwatson@macbiocom.com; or
John A. McCarthy, Jr., Senior Vice President & CFO, Xanthus Life
Sciences, Inc. 617-225-0522, ext. 125, or
john.mccarthy@xanthus.com
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