LA JOLLA, Calif., March 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Agouron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
(Nasdaq: AGPH) today announced that its researchers have solved the
three-dimensional atomic structure of a critical target for structure-based
design of anti-tumor drugs which block angiogenesis. The structure of the
human VEGFR2 kinase, determined by x-ray crystallography to a resolution of
2.4 Angstroms, is being reported in the scientific journal Structure, Vol. 7,
No. 3.
VEGFR2 is a central enzyme in the VEGF signaling pathway known to regulate
angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation), a process contributing to disease
states such as cancer, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.
Features unique to the ATP-binding site of the VEGFR2 kinase are expected to
guide discovery of drugs that inhibit angiogenesis, as a means to treatment of
these diseases. Agouron scientists are presently engaged in the design,
synthesis, and evaluation of inhibitors based upon the structure of the VEGFR2
kinase.
"The crystal structure of the VEGFR2 kinase provides a significant
advantage in designing highly selective inhibitors of this important cancer
target. This novel anti-tumor strategy to inhibit growth by starving tumors
of their vital blood supply also offers the prospect of avoiding many of the
side-effects of current anticancer therapies," said Patrick O'Connor, Ph.D.,
head of the oncology research division.
"Blocking the function of the VEGFR2 kinase has broad therapeutic
potential for a number of serious diseases where angiogenesis plays a role,
with retinal disorders drawing great interest," said Krzysztof Appelt, Ph.D.,
head of the ophthalmic research division. "Knowledge of this structure
provides powerful insights into the design of compounds to achieve this
objective."
Compounds emerging from the VEGFR program will join a strong portfolio of
agents directed at a range of targets identified within Agouron's oncology and
ophthalmology programs. AG3340, a matrix metalloprotease (MMP) inhibitor also
demonstrating potent anti-angiogenic and anti-metastatic properties, is in
Phase III clinical trials in combination therapy for hormone-refractory
prostate cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. AG3340 is also undergoing
phase II clinical trials for the treatment of age-related macular
degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in the elderly.
Agouron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is an integrated pharmaceutical company
committed to the discovery, development, manufacturing, and marketing of
innovative therapeutic products engineered to inactivate proteins that play
key roles in cancer, AIDS, and diseases of the eye.
On January 26, 1999 Warner-Lambert Company (NYSE: WLA) announced a
definitive agreement to acquire Agouron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Warner-Lambert
is a worldwide company devoted to discovering, developing, manufacturing, and
marketing quality pharmaceutical, consumer health care, and confectionery
products.
This press release may contain forward-looking statements or predictions.
These statements represent our judgment as of this date and are subject to
risks and uncertainties (including those associated with regulatory approvals
and the impact of competitive products) that could cause the actual results to
differ materially. These statements, which include statements as to the
expected accounting treatment of the merger, represent our judgment as of this
date and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual
results to differ materially. Additional information concerning factors that
could cause actual results to materially differ are discussed in our Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1998 currently on file with the Securities
and Exchange Commission. Agouron undertakes no obligation to publicly release
the result of any revisions to such forward-looking statements which may be
made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect
the occurrence of unanticipated events.
SOURCE Agouron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
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CONTACT:
Investors: Donna Nichols, Vice President and
Head of Corporate Communications, 619-622-3009; or Media: Joy
Schmitt, Associate Director of Product Public Relation,
619-622-3220, both of Agouron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
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