AVI BioPharma Scientist Presents Novel Antisense Approach For Prostate Cancer at AACR 93rd Annual Meeting
PORTLAND, Ore. - April 9, 2002 - AVI BioPharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: AVII, AVIIW, AVIIZ) today announced that Gayathri R. Devi, Ph.D., principal scientist in AVI BioPharma's Cancer Program, presented new research data regarding the use of AVI's proprietary NeuGene® antisense technology against prostate cancer at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) 93rd Annual Meeting April 8 in San Francisco.
NeuGene Antisense Technology for Treatment of Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the second most frequent cause of cancer death in American males. AVI's research on prostate cancer, which has been partially funded through a grant from the Department of Defense, has shown that NeuGene antisense technology has had an effect on halting cell growth of refractory human prostate cancer cells. Dr. Devi's presentation showed that NeuGenes directed against the c-myc gene caused cell growth inhibition and cell death in human prostate cancer cells in athymic mice. The study demonstrates the feasibility of developing AVI-4126 as a single agent or in combination therapy for locally relapsed and metastatic prostate cancer in patients. AVI-4126 is a NeuGene antisense drug that targets the c-myc oncogene which is over-expressed in most cancers.
"The exciting results of this study highlight the breadth and flexibility of our NeuGene program," said Dr. Denis R. Burger, Ph.D., CEO of AVI. "Based on this and other data, AVI plans to initiate a Phase I/II human clinical trial in prostate cancer later this year."
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 http://www.avibio.com/.
"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: The statements that are not historical facts contained in this release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the results of research and development efforts, the results of preclinical and clinical testing, the effect of regulation by the FDA and other agencies, the impact of competitive products, product development, commercialization and technological difficulties, and other risks detailed in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings.