SUNNYVALE, Calif., March 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
Scios Inc. (Nasdaq: SCIO) announced today that it has added a new drug
candidate to its pipeline that could become the first oral inhibitor of
transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta.
"TGF-beta is implicated in a wide range of chronic and acute diseases and
our lead compounds have shown efficacy in several disease models," commented
George Schreiner, M.D., Chief Scientific Officer of Scios. "This program
reflects the continued success of Scios' multi-dimensional research engine.
Our research expertise combines protein chemistry, molecular informatics,
computational chemistry and gene microarray with a focus on kinases as
therapeutic targets. Our multiple small molecule kinase inhibitor programs
target large and important medical markets."
TGF-beta is a multifunctional cytokine, a signaling protein that is
produced in a broad range of diseases characterized by unregulated scarring
and eventual organ failure. Research has indicated that excessive activation
of TGF-beta is involved with driving scar tissue formation, which is thought
to contribute to the progressive loss of function seen in a variety of
conditions. Diseases in which TGF-beta may play a role include congestive
heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, liver cirrhosis and
kidney disease. Current therapies for these conditions treat symptoms
exclusively or are only modestly effective in slowing disease progression.
Scios has developed novel and potent small molecule inhibitors that are
designed to block activation of the TGF-beta receptor. They have been shown
to be effective in reducing scar formation or fibrosis when given orally to
animals. Scios expects to advance two lead molecules representing different
chemical classes through preclinical development and is planning to announce
the first medical indication for this new therapeutic class in 2003. In
addition, Scios has secured exclusive rights to the TGF-beta receptor that is
the basis for its development of small molecule inhibitors.
Scios Inc.
Scios is a biopharmaceutical company that discovered, developed and
markets Natrecor(R), the first new treatment for acutely decompensated
congestive heart failure in more than a decade. Scios has a growing pipeline,
including SCIO-469, one of the first oral p38 kinase inhibitors in clinical
trials. The Company's disease-based technology platform integrates expertise
in protein biology with computational and medicinal chemistry to identify
novel targets and rationally design small molecule compounds for large markets
with unmet medical needs.
Forward Looking Safe Harbor Disclaimer
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning
of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934. We generally identify such forward-looking statements
using words like "believe," "intend," "expect," "may," "should," "plan,"
"project," "contemplate," "anticipate" or similar statements. Statements that
are not historical facts are forward-looking statements based on current
assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties. These risks and
uncertainties may include the success of pre-clinical studies and clinical
trials of our pipeline products, including SCIO-469 and our inhibitors of the
TGF-beta receptor, as well as other risks detailed from time to time in the
reports filed by Scios with the SEC, including the Company's quarterly reports
and annual report on Form 10-K. Actual results, performance or achievements
of Scios may differ significantly from those described in these
forward-looking statements. Scios disclaims any intention or obligation to
update or revise any financial projections or forward-looking statements,
whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
SOURCE Scios Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.sciosinc.com
CONTACT:
David Gryska of Scios Inc., +1-408-616-8303;
or media, Jim Weiss of WeissCom Partners, +1-415-203-0328, for
Scios Inc.; or investors, Fern Lazar of Lazar Partners,
+1-212-867-1762, for Scios Inc.
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