AVI BioPharma Demonstrates Effective Delivery of NeuGene Antisense Therapeutics
PORTLAND, Ore. - July 11, 2002 - AVI BioPharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: AVII, AVIIW, AVIIZ) announced the presentation earlier this week of new research supporting its proprietary antisense platform at the XIVth World Congress of Pharmacology in San Francisco. The presentation provided further evidence of the efficacy, specificity, and safety of AVI's NeuGene® antisense technology. The presentation was based on preclinical research conducted by AVI scientist Vikram Arora, Ph.D., and senior vice president of research and development, Patrick L. Iversen, Ph.D.
Studies presented at the conference by Dr. Arora showed that AVI's NeuGene antisense compounds successfully penetrate cellular barriers and reach their targets in multiple liver cell model systems, both within living organisms and in cell cultures, with minimal toxicity.
Results of the Study
In contrast to earlier observations by researchers that Phosphorodiamidate Morpholino Oligomers (PMOs) failed to penetrate cellular membranes and reach their targets in cells adapted to artificial conditions, AVI scientists have shown in cell cultures from human liver cells that PMOs easily entered cells, without assistance. The observations support the existence of a cellular transport of PMOs from outside the cell to the cell nucleus. Furthermore, when the PMOs were administered to rats through injection into the abdominal cavity, researchers observed the highest degree of antisense drug uptake. Other studies have shown successful liver uptake of PMOs administered intravenously, orally and dermally. Results from the in vivo administration showed that the antisense drug occasionally was found in the cytoplasm of liver cells. Far more often, however, the drug found its way all the way to the cell nucleus.
"These results are an exciting demonstration of the highly effective properties of our third-generation antisense technology," said Dr. Iversen. "We continue to believe that our NeuGene antisense compounds are more stable, specific, efficacious, and cost-effective than other antisense compounds."
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.