ThromboGenics Announces Progress With Its Pre-clinical and Clinical Programs

Lead pre-clinical candidate TB- 403 (Anti-PlGF) set to enter the clinic in late 2007

04-May-2007

ThromboGenics NV provided an update highlighting progress with its pre-clinical development portfolio. As part of this update, the Company announced an out-licensing agreement for the antibodies against platelet glycoprotein Ib (anti-GPIb) and von Willebrand Factor (anti-vWF), which it has been developing as novel anti-thrombotic agents. This out-licensing deal has been concluded so that the Company can focus its resources on its more advanced pre-clinical programs such as TB-403 (anti-PIGF), which is due to enter the clinic later this year. ThromboGenics also confirmed that its current clinical programs are continuing to progress in line with earlier guidance.

ThromboGenics' preclinical portfolio currently comprises TB-403 (anti-PlGF, jointly being developed with BioInvent AB, Sweden), PlGF (jointly being developed with Geymonat SpA, Italy), anti-GPIb / anti-vWF, and anti-VPAC.

TB-403 (anti-PlGF) is a humanized monoclonal antibody that blocks the formation of new blood vessels in solid tumors, reducing the growth and spread of cancer cells. It has a unique mode of action that may provide important benefits in comparison to existing anti-angiogenesis compounds in the treatment of cancer. Toxicology studies with TB-403 are well advanced and this novel antibody is expected to proceed to Phase I clinical trials by the end of this year.

PlGF, a vascular growth factor for the treatment of heart failure, is moving as planned both in terms of its pre-clinical evaluation and route of manufacture. Current development efforts are focusing on a variant with superior stability which should move into toxicology studies by year end.

Anti-VPAC, a humanized monoclonal antibody that increases the number of blood platelets after bone marrow suppression with chemotherapy, is showing great promise in experimental animal models. This compound, which could move into toxicology studies by 2008, has the potential to replace expensive platelet transfusions, which are currently used in clinical practice.

ThromboGenics has decided, in order to focus its resources on these exciting pre-clinical programs, to out-license the antibodies against platelet glycoprotein Ib (anti-GPIb) and von Willebrand Factor (anti-vWF). These antibodies, which have the potential to become novel anti-thrombotic agents have been out-licensed to the D. Collen Research Foundation, V.Z.W. (DCRF), a charity that supports progress in medical science. In return for this license, ThromboGenics has received a lump sum payment equal to the Company's total investment in the programs, and a 25 percent share of any future revenue that DCRF may receive from these programs.

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Topic world Antibodies

Antibodies are specialized molecules of our immune system that can specifically recognize and neutralize pathogens or foreign substances. Antibody research in biotech and pharma has recognized this natural defense potential and is working intensively to make it therapeutically useful. From monoclonal antibodies used against cancer or autoimmune diseases to antibody-drug conjugates that specifically transport drugs to disease cells - the possibilities are enormous

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Topic world Antibodies

Topic world Antibodies

Antibodies are specialized molecules of our immune system that can specifically recognize and neutralize pathogens or foreign substances. Antibody research in biotech and pharma has recognized this natural defense potential and is working intensively to make it therapeutically useful. From monoclonal antibodies used against cancer or autoimmune diseases to antibody-drug conjugates that specifically transport drugs to disease cells - the possibilities are enormous