AVI's Combination Antisense Strategy Inhibits Tumor Growth In Human Prostate Cancer Models
PORTLAND, Ore. - Oct. 30, 2002 - AVI BioPharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: AVII, AVIIW, AVIIZ), today announced a novel combination strategy in treating advanced stage hormone-refractory prostate cancer using AVI's NeuGene® antisense. The strategy, tested in preclinical research, is explained in the November issue of The Prostate, 53(3): 200-10.
AVI scientists used NeuGene antisense to target both the c-myc gene and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormonal growth factor, both of which have been implicated in the growth of prostate cancer. NeuGene antisense inhibition of hCG and c-myc in combination caused a significant reduction of growth of human prostate cancer cells in cultures. In addition, this combination antisense therapy also inhibited growth of human tumors transplanted to susceptible mice.
The gene c-myc regulates cell proliferation and differentiation and has been identified as one of the most common genetic alterations in prostate cancer. The hCG hormone has been shown to be present in most types of cancer in both men and women. Elevated levels of hCG have been detected in patients with prostate cancer and have been observed to cause activation of the c-myc gene in prostate cancer cells.
"The refractory nature of prostate cancer in most men justifies the need for newer therapies that are not based on androgen ablation, a common treatment for the disease," said Gayathri R. Devi, Ph.D., principal scientist of AVI's Cancer Program. "The data from this study reveal the potential of a novel combination NeuGene antisense-based therapy for prostate cancer that is refractory to a single agent."
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 a Phase I/II trial for cancer. AVI has completed a Phase I NeuGene antisense study that successfully down-regulated the liver enzyme cytochrome P450 and modified drug metabolism, and also recently completed a Phase I/II trial in polycystic kidney disease. More information about AVI is available on the Company's Web site at http://www.avibio.com/.
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