AVI BioPharma Obtains Worldwide Exclusive Rights To Important Viral Target
PORTLAND, Ore. - Feb. 12, 2002 - AVI BioPharma Inc. (Nasdaq: AVII, AVIIW, AVIIZ) today announced the licensing of a patent titled "Calicivirus Infections in Humans: Diagnosis and Prevention," held by Oregon State University. Calicivirus infections, for which no specific treatment regimens currently exist, are usually acute and severe, with numerous disease manifestations.
AVI scientists, in conjunction with scientists at the Laboratory for Calicivirus Studies at Oregon State, previously published data indicating that the company's proprietary third-generation NeuGene® antisense agents targeting calicivirus had successfully reduced viral infection, viral replication and cell death in cells from two species.
Approximately 175 known calicivirus isolates have been recovered in animals ranging from shellfish to whales. Many of these isolates are capable of infecting humans, leading some to believe that caliciviridae are the cause of non-A through E hepatitis.
"Calicivirus infections can result in diarrhea, hepatitis, encephalitis, pneumonia, hemorrhage and other symptoms," said Patrick L. Iversen, Ph.D., AVI's senior vice president of research and development. "As such, our positive results in targeting this virus may translate into a rapid entry into the clinic with our first antiviral anti-sense agent."
AVI's NeuGene antisense chemistry is considered to be particularly well-suited for viral applications due to its neutral ionic charge and high degree of specificity compared with earlier generations of antisense, including phosphorothioate chemistry. Antisense agents have been used to interfere with the gene expression of other human viral pathogens, including hepatitis B virus, cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpes simplex virus and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The company believes that success in targeting calicivirus is indicative of potential success targeting other viral targets.
About AVI BioPharma
AVI BioPharma develops therapeutic products for the treatment of life-threatening diseases using two technology platforms: NeuGene antisense drugs and cancer immunotherapy. Its lead cancer agent, AVICINE®, a therapeutic cancer vaccine, has completed three Phase II trials in colorectal and pancreatic cancer and is in a Phase III pivotal trial in colorectal cancer. The first application of its NeuGene compounds, Resten-NG, is designed to treat cancer, cardiovascular restenosis and other cell proliferation disorders by inhibiting the production of a cellular transcription factor, the oncogene c-myc. It is currently in Phase II trials for restenosis and in Phase I/II trials for cancer and polycystic kidney disease. More information about AVI is available on the Company's Web site at www.avibio.com.
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