DGAP-News: Astex Scientists Publish the Discovery of Novel Allosteric Modulators for the Key Therapeutic Targets HCV NS3 and PKM2 in Nature Journals
(firmenpresse) - Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
15.10.2012 12:00
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DUBLIN, Calif., 2012-10-15 12:00 CEST (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --
Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq:ASTX), a pharmaceutical company dedicated
to the discovery and development of novel small molecule therapeutics,
announced that Astex scientists have published two new articles describing the
discovery of novel allosteric modulators for the key therapeutic targets HCV
NS3 and PKM2 in Nature Journals.
Astex Pharmaceuticals used the company's leading fragment-based drug discovery
platform, Pyramid(tm), to identify, in two separate studies, new allosteric
pockets on the HCV NS3 protein and the PKM2 protein involved in tumor
metabolism. The study on HCV NS3 which has just been published in Nature
Chemical Biology1 highlights the discovery of a novel allosteric pocket
situated between the protease and helicase domains of the NS3 protein. It also
describes how Astex scientists exploited this pocket to develop novel,
first-in-class inhibitors of the HCV NS3 protein that interact with both the
protease and helicase domains. A drug candidate from this program is due to
enter clinical trials during 2013.
In the second study, now published in Nature2, the Pyramid platform was used to
identify a novel allosteric pocket on the tumor metabolism target PKM2 and
unravel the role of serine on the function of this key cancer target. This
novel allosteric pocket provides a new opportunity to discover allosteric
modulators of PKM2 that could be developed into anti-cancer agents.
Dr. Harren Jhoti, president and director of Astex Pharmaceuticals, commented,
'These two studies published in the leading Nature Journals underline the
preeminent position Astex retains in using fragment-based drug discovery to
identify novel drug candidates against technically challenging targets. We
continue to develop the fragment-discovery platform to address more intractable
drug targets, not only allosteric pockets but also protein-protein
interactions, in our drive to develop new medicines for patients.'
About Astex Pharmaceuticals
Astex Pharmaceuticals is dedicated to the discovery and development of novel
small molecule therapeutics with a focus on oncology. The Company is developing
a proprietary pipeline of novel therapies and is creating de-risked products
for partnership with leading pharmaceutical companies. Astex Pharmaceuticals
co-developed DACOGEN(r) (decitabine) for Injection and receives significant
royalties on global sales from Eisai in North America and from Janssen-Cilag in
the rest of the world.
For more information about Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc., please visit
http://www.astx.com.
The Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. logo is available at
http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=12273
1. Saalau-Bethell, et al (2012). Discovery of an allosteric mechanism for the
regulation of HCV NS3 protein function. Nature Chemical Biology, DOI:
10.1038/NCHEMBIO.1081: Published Online: 30 September 2012.
2. Chaneton, et al (2012). Serine is a natural ligand and allosteric activator
of pyruvate kinase M2. Nature, DOI: 10.1038/nature11540: Published Online: 14
October 2012.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains 'forward-looking statements' as defined in the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The reader is cautioned not
to rely on these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on
current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove
inaccurate or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could
vary materially from the expectations and projections of Astex Pharmaceuticals.
Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, general industry
conditions and competition; technological advances, new products and patents
attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development,
including obtaining regulatory approvals; challenges to patents; changes in
behavior and spending patterns or financial distress of purchasers of health
care products and services; changes to governmental laws and regulations and
domestic and foreign health care reforms; trends toward health care cost
containment; and increased scrutiny of the health care industry by government
agencies. A further list and description of these risks, uncertainties and
other factors can be found in the Astex Pharmaceuticals Annual Report on Form
10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011. Copies of this Form 10-K, as
well as subsequent filings, are available online at www.sec.gov, www.astx.com
or on request from Astex Pharmaceuticals. Astex Pharmaceuticals is not required
to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information or
future events or developments.
CONTACT: Timothy L. Enns
Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Senior Vice President
Corporate Communications&Marketing
Tel: +1 (925) 560-2810
E-mail: tim.enns(at)astx.com
Susanna Chau
Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Manager
Investor Relations
Tel: +1 (925) 560-2845
E-mail: susanna.chau(at)astx.com
Alan Roemer
The Trout Group
Managing Director
Tel: +1 (646) 378-2945
E-mail: aroemer(at)troutgroup.com
Kari Watson
MacDougall Biomedical Communications
Senior Vice President
Tel: +1 (781) 235-3060
E-mail: kwatson(at)macbiocom.com
News Source: NASDAQ OMX
15.10.2012 Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by DGAP -
a company of EquityStory AG.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
DGAP's Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements,
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Language: English
Company: Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
United States
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ISIN: US04624B1035
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