Algeta signs exclusive agreement with Lumiphore, Inc. to access proprietary technology to enhance its Thorium platform
(Thomson Reuters ONE) -
Agreement aims to strengthen Algeta's proprietary position around the
development of novel tumor-targeted alpha-pharmaceuticals
Oslo, Norway, 21 October 2010 - Algeta ASA (OSE: ALGETA), the focused oncology
company, announces it has entered into a technology access agreement with
Lumiphore, Inc. (Richmond, CA, USA) that could enable Algeta to develop the next
generation of cancer-targeting alpha-pharmaceuticals. The agreement provides
Algeta with exclusive access to Lumiphore's novel, patented Lumi4(® )chelator
technology, which will be evaluated for its ability to bind the alpha-emitter
thorium-227 and link it to tumor-targeting molecules, such as antibodies.
Algeta's strategy for enhancing its alpha-pharmaceutical pipeline, beyond
Alpharadin which is currently in phase III, is focused initially on the
development of a robust proprietary position around its Thorium platform through
both in-house development and selective in-licensing.
The ability to link the alpha-emitter thorium-227 to tumor-targeting molecules
is crucial for the development of these new alpha-pharmaceuticals. Algeta has
significant chelation expertise having already demonstrated the potent tumor-
cell killing capability of thorium-227-conjugated monoclonal antibodies using
non-proprietary chelators in validated preclinical models for breast cancer and
lymphoma cells.
Lumiphore's Lumi4(®) isophthalamide technology is based on a new class of
chelators that bind metals in the lanthanide and actinide groups of the periodic
table - thorium is an actinide. The primary benefit of the technology as it
relates to Algeta's Thorium platform is that it forms a novel cage structure
surrounding and tightly binding thorium, which can then be covalently attached
to a range of tumor-targeting molecules.
Algeta believes that access to the Lumi4(®) technology offers a number of
potential advantages that could produce enhanced conjugates when compared to
those successfully employed in the previous thorium feasibility studies. Key
benefits are expected to include more rapid, efficient and cost-effective
chelation and conjugation processes, and increased conjugate stability. In
addition, use of the technology if applied successfully, is anticipated to
strengthen Algeta's proprietary position around its Thorium platform.
Thomas Ramdahl, Algeta's Chief Technology Officer, said: "An important objective
for Algeta, post the Bayer agreement for Alpharadin, is to leverage its world-
leading expertise and intellectual property around alpha-pharmaceuticals in
order develop new, targeted cancer treatments. Current top-selling cancer drugs
are based on 'naked' monoclonal antibodies, but it is clear that next-generation
products will require cancer-killing payloads to maximize the effectiveness of
therapy. Thorium-227 conjugated to tumor-targeting molecules offers great
promise in this area and we are very pleased to have initiated the evaluation of
Lumiphore's innovative chelation technology as part of this program."
Andrew Kay, Algeta's President & CEO, said: "We are enthusiastic about the
potential of our Thorium platform to address multiple high-value opportunities
in cancer therapy. Over the last eight months we have initiated a number of
programs aimed at the development of this technology and have expanded our own
internal capabilities and expertise in this area. With the market moving
increasingly towards targeted payload technologies, we believe that the unique
advantages of alpha-emitters over toxins as payloads, such as potency and their
ability to overcome drug-resistance by virtue of their direct tumor killing
mechanism of action, may lead to an enhanced clinical effect from this new class
of thorium-based alpha-pharmaceuticals."
Further terms of the Agreement
Under the terms of the agreement, Algeta obtains an exclusive 12-month option to
an exclusive license for the use of Lumiphore's Lumi4(®) chelator technology
within the field of therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals. The license will also give
Algeta the right to use this technology in companion imaging
radiopharmaceuticals for determining either the suitability of patients for
treatment and/or the effectiveness of treatment.
Algeta will pay Lumiphore a fee on signing the option agreement and will make
further payments should it exercise the option and take up the license.
About the Thorium platform
Thorium-227 is an element (radionuclide) that emits high-energy alpha particles.
Such elements are of considerable interest in the treatment of cancer as they
are potent at killing tumor cells and have a highly localized effect as a result
of the very short range of the alpha particle (2-10 cell diameters).
Whereas radium-223, which forms the basis of Alpharadin, is self-targeting to
bone metastases by virtue of its properties as a calcium-mimic, thorium-227 must
be linked to tumor-targeting molecules, such as monoclonal antibodies, to reach
its target. By conjugating thorium-227 to a number of such molecules, each with
a different tumour target, Algeta has the potential to create a pipeline of new
generation alpha-pharmaceuticals to specifically seek and destroy cancers while
minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
Importantly, the direct tumor cell killing action of alpha-pharmaceuticals
potentially overcomes drug-resistance mechanisms. In addition, alpha-
pharmaceuticals cause a localized 'bystander effect', whereby tumor cells
adjacent to those bound by the alpha-pharmaceutical may also be destroyed even
if they do not bind the drug themselves. The short range of the alpha particle
means that damage to healthy cells and side effects may be minimized.
###
For further information, please contact
For Algeta +47 2300 7990 / +47 4840 1360 (mob)
Andrew Kay, CEO +47 2300 7990 / +47 9065 6525 (mob)
Oystein Soug, CFO +47 2300 7985 / +47 9139 1458 (mob)
Thomas Ramdahl, CTO post(at)algeta.com
International media enquiries:
Mark Swallow/David Dible +44 207 638 9571
Citigate Dewe Rogerson mark.swallow(at)citigatedr.co.uk
US investor enquiries:
Jessica Lloyd +1 646 378 2928
The Trout Group jlloyd(at)troutgroup.com
For Lumiphore, Inc.
Kenneth N. Raymond, PhD.
President and Chairman +1-510-642-7219 / +1-510-486-6145
Lumiphore, Inc. kraymond(at)lumiphore.com
About Algeta
Algeta is a focused oncology company developing novel targeted therapies for
patients with cancer based on its alpha-pharmaceutical platform.
Algeta's lead product Alpharadin (based on radium-223) is a first-in-class,
highly targeted alpha-pharmaceutical under clinical evaluation to improve
survival in patients with bone metastases from advanced cancer. Its localized
action helps preserve the surrounding healthy tissue thereby limiting side-
effects.
The development of bone metastases represents a serious development for cancer
patients as they are associated with a dramatic decline in patient health and
quality of life, ultimately leading to death. Bone metastases represent a major
unmet medical need, occurring in up to 90% of certain late-stage cancers, e.g.
prostate, breast and lung.
Alpharadin is partnered with Bayer Schering Pharma AG, a major pharmaceutical
company, and is in a global phase III clinical trial (ALSYMPCA) to treat bone
metastases resulting from castration-resistant prostate cancer. Alpharadin is
also in a phase II clinical trial for breast cancer patients who have bone
metastases and are endocrine-refractory, and in a phase I/IIa trial in
combination with docetaxel chemotherapy in CRPC patients with bone metastases.
Algeta also aims to develop a future pipeline of tumor-targeting alpha-
pharmaceutical candidates based on the alpha particle emitter thorium-227,
through selective in-licensing and/or acquiring innovative technologies and
tumor-targeting molecules.
The Company is headquartered in Oslo, Norway, and was founded in 1997. Algeta
listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange in March 2007 (Ticker: ALGETA).
Alpharadin and Algeta are trademarks of Algeta ASA.
www.algeta.com
About Lumiphore, Inc.
Based in Richmond, California, Lumiphore Inc, a privately held company, is a
biotechnology leader in the development of proprietary fluorescent-metal
lanthanide and chelation technology for use in high-value imaging and
therapeutic applications which are commercialized through market-specific
alliances with corporate partners. Lumiphore has exclusive licenses to the basic
science developed at the University of California, Berkeley in the laboratory of
Professor Kenneth N. Raymond, a world expert on lanthanide and actinide
chemistry. For more information about Lumiphore, log onto www.lumiphore.com.
Lumi4® is a registered mark of Lumiphore, Inc.
www.lumiphore.com
Forward-looking Statement
This news release contains forward-looking statements and forecasts based on
uncertainty, since they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will
occur in the future and which, by their nature, will have an impact on results
of operations and the financial condition of Algeta. There are a number of
factors that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially
from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These
factors include, among other things, risks associated with technological
development, the risk that research & development will not yield new products
that achieve commercial success, the impact of competition, the ability to close
viable and profitable business deals, the risk of non-approval of patents not
yet granted and difficulties of obtaining relevant governmental approvals for
new products.
###
This information is subject of the disclosure requirements acc. to §5-12 vphl
(Norwegian Securities Trading Act)
[HUG#1453689]
Press release:
http://hugin.info/134655/R/1453689/394154.pdf
This announcement is distributed by Thomson Reuters on behalf of
Thomson Reuters clients. The owner of this announcement warrants that:
(i) the releases contained herein are protected by copyright and
other applicable laws; and
(ii) they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and
originality of the information contained therein.
Source: Algeta ASA via Thomson Reuters ONE
Unternehmensinformation / Kurzprofil:
Datum: 21.10.2010 - 08:00 Uhr
Sprache: Deutsch
News-ID 45979
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contact information:
Town:
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Kategorie:
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