Molecule Represents Potential Expansion of Inflammatory Franchise
SEATTLE, July 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Immunex Corporation (Nasdaq: IMNX)
announced today that it filed an investigational new drug application (IND)
with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to begin Phase 1 clinical
studies with Interleukin-1 (IL-1) Receptor Type II to assess tolerability.
"Moving IL-1 Receptor Type II into the clinic months ahead of our
projections represents advancement towards the company's goal of bringing
two molecules into human clinical testing this year," said Peggy Phillips,
executive vice president and chief operating officer for Immunex. "This
molecule also represents an excellent potential opportunity to add to our
market leadership in inflammatory disease."
IL-1 is known to be a key mediator of inflammatory disease. The immune
system needs a certain amount of IL-1 to function properly. Too much IL-1 in
the body can lead to the development of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis,
osteoporosis, multiple myeloma, multiple sclerosis and Crohn's disease.
"Immunex has pioneered exploration into the IL-1 system having cloned
several IL-1 receptors," said Kendall Mohler, Ph.D, vice president of biologic
sciences, Immunex Corporation. "Based on what we have seen in pre-clinical
studies, the IL-1 Receptor Type II may be the most efficient therapeutic
approach to regulate IL-1."
A natural regulator of IL-1, the IL-1 Receptor Type II is found on the
surface of cells and also in a soluble (free-floating) form in the body. IL-1
Receptor Type II works by competitively binding IL-1. In pre-clinical models,
this binding prevents IL-1 from binding to cell-surface receptors, potentially
preventing a signal to the cell which can lead to inflammatory disease.
Phase 1 studies will be initiated in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Single and multiple dosing schedules will be evaluated. Results of the studies
are expected mid-2002.
Immunex Corporation is a leading biopharmaceutical company dedicated to
improving lives through immune system science innovations.
NOTE: Except for the historical information contained herein, this news
release contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and
uncertainties. Among the factors that could cause actual results or timelines
to differ materially are risks associated with research and clinical
development, regulatory approvals, our supply capabilities and reliance on
third-party manufacturers, product commercialization, competition, litigation
and other risk factors listed from time to time in reports filed by Immunex
with the SEC, including but not limited to risks described under the caption
"Important Factors That May Affect Our Business, Our Results of Operations and
Our Stock Price" within our most recently filed Form 10-Q. The forward-looking
statements contained in this news release represent our judgment as of the
date of this release. Immunex undertakes no obligation to publicly update any
forward-looking statements. An electronic version of this news release -- as
well as additional information about Immunex of interest to investors,
customers, future employees and patients -- is available on the Immunex home
page at http://www.immunex.com.
SOURCE Immunex Corporation
 back to top
Related links:
http://www.immunex.com
Company News On-Call:
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/434644.html
CONTACT:
media, Robin Shapiro, +1-206-389-4040, or
investors, Mark Leahy, +1-206-389-4363, both of Immunex
Corporation
|
