CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Sept. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Peptimmune, Inc. a privately
held biotechnology company, announced today that Dr. Joseph Kovalchin will
make a poster presentation titled "Evidence of Specific T-cell Priming from
the First-in-Man Single Ascending Dose Study of Peptide Copolymer PI-2301
for the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis " on Thursday, September 18th from
3:30 - 5:00 p.m. in Exhibit Hall 220C, at the Palais Des Congres de
Montreal, Canada at the World Congress on Treatment and Research in
Multiple Sclerosis. The Congress is expected to attract over 3,500
participants from around the globe -- clinicians, clinical researchers, and
basic scientists. This will be the largest single gathering of MS
clinicians and researchers in 2008.
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.
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.
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 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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