CAMBRIDGE, Mass., July 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Peptimmune, Inc. a privately
held biotechnology company, announced today the grant of US Patent Number
7,381,790 (the '790 patent) which protects the composition of matter for
its PI-2301 peptide copolymer for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
PI-2301 is currently in a Phase Ib multiple-ascending dose,
double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized study in subjects with multiple
sclerosis. Following establishment of safety at potentially therapeutic
doses and proof of pharmacologic mechanism, the Company plans to initiate
its Phase II study in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis patients in
early 2009.
"This patent represents an important component in the development of
our intellectual property in peptide copolymers, including PI-2301," stated
Thomas P. Mathers, President and CEO of Peptimmune. "The '790 patent
protects what we believe may become a very important therapy for the
treatment of multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases."
PI-2301 is a second-generation peptide copolymer from a similar
compound class as Copaxone(R) (Teva Pharmaceuticals). PI-2301 has been
designed to be more efficacious and more convenient (weekly versus daily
dosing) than Copaxone for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. PI-2301
works through immune modulation by enhancing the regulatory response of the
immune system and thereby controlling the pathogenic autoimmune response
observed in some diseases. In a Phase I single ascending dose, double blind
placebo controlled randomized study, all doses of PI-2301 were safe and
well tolerated, and no serious adverse events were observed.
Pharmacodynamic assays demonstrated evidence of immune exposure consistent
with the pharmacologic mechanism of action for PI-2301, and dose-dependent
pharmacokinetics was observed.
PI-2301 has been optimized using Peptimmune's novel platform peptide
chemistry and, in preclinical studies, has shown to be more potent and
effective than Copaxone in treating disease models for multiple sclerosis.
PI-2301 has also shown efficacy in preclinical models of autoimmune
diseases where immune modulation may be effective, such as Crohn's disease,
rheumatoid arthritis, and autoimmune uveitis. Peptimmune has put in place
high-quality synthesis and analytical methods that provide a superior level
of batch-to-batch reproducibility in the manufacturing of PI-2301.
Over 400,000 Americans have multiple sclerosis (MS), and MS may affect
over 2.5 million individuals worldwide. MS is an autoimmune disease in
which the individuals' immune system responds against multiple components
of nerve-insulating myelin. The effects of these immune-mediated attacks
can range from relatively benign to somewhat disabling to devastating, as
communication between the brain and other parts of the body is disrupted.
The '790 patent claims "A linear random copolymer YFAK comprising amino
acids tyrosine (Y), phenylalanine (F), alanine (A), and lysine (K)," )."
which was licensed from Harvard University. The copolymer technology was
developed in conjunction with Professor Jack L. Strominger M.D., Higgins
Professor of Biochemistry, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, at
Harvard University. Peptimmune is the exclusive worldwide licensee of the
'790 patent.
About Peptimmune
Peptimmune, Inc. is a privately held clinical stage biotechnology
company focused on the development of peptide therapies to improve the
management of chronic autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. The Company is
in clinical development with second-generation therapeutics that are
expected to result in safer and more effective products for multiple
sclerosis and pemphigus vulgaris. Current investors include New Enterprise
Associates, MPM Capital, Hunt Ventures, Boston Medical Investors, Silicon
Valley Bank Capital, and Genzyme Corporation. For additional information,
please contact us.
For information please contact Tom Mathers at (617) 715-8000 or
tom.mathers@peptimmune.com.
SOURCE Peptimmune, Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.peptimmune.com
CONTACT:
Tom Mathers of Peptimmune, Inc.,
+1-617-715-8000, tom.mathers@peptimmune.com
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