AVI BioPharma Presents Effectiveness of NeuGene Antisense Agent In Inhibiting Prostate Cancer Cell Growth
PORTLAND, Ore. - June 20, 2002 - AVI BioPharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: AVII, AVIIW, AVIIZ), announced the completion of preclinical studies which demonstrated that its NeuGene® antisense drug for prostate cancer successfully programs cancer cells for death (apoptosis), as well as inhibits cancer cells from becoming metastatic. Data from the studies will be presented today by Gayathri Devi, Ph.D., senior scientist at AVI, at the Endocrine Society's 84th annual meeting in San Francisco.
AVI's prostate cancer drug targets an enzyme that has been implicated in tumor development, specifically a tumor's ability to become invasive and metastatic. NeuGene antisense to Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is a leading drug candidate in AVI's pipeline for the treatment of cancer. By programming cancer cells for death and by inhibiting cellular invasion and metastasis, the cancer will be self-limiting and will not spread throughout the body.
"These studies expand our understanding of the function of human genes in cancer so that our future anticancer agents will target specific gene expression, leading to more effective and less toxic therapy," said Patrick L. Iversen, Ph.D., senior vice president of research and development at AVI. "The completion of these studies sets the stage for possible entry into clinical development with this exciting therapeutic approach next year."
In her research, Dr. Devi also observed that the current standard approach to treatment of prostate cancer, androgen deprivation therapy, causes a paradoxical elevation in the MMP-9 gene expression. This results in tumors that may be more aggressive. Dr. Devi said, "The antisense approach targeting MMP-9 gene expression inhibits prostate cancer cell proliferation, invasion and angiogenesis, which establishes the feasibility of developing a targeted, nontoxic antisense therapeutic agent for inhibiting tumor invasion and metastasis."
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 initiating a Phase III pivotal trial in pancreatic cancer, with a supporting study 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. AVI has recently completed a Phase I NeuGene antisense study that successfully down-regulated the liver enzyme Cytochrome P450 and modified drug metabolism. 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.