Tie-1 significantly inhibits tumor progression in murine models
Aug 11, 2005, 23:06, Reviewed by: Dr.
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"I am most excited about the potential clinical advantages of inhibiting tumor growth by targeting Tie-1 and the possible combination therapies that this new approach may offer."
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By Dyax Corp.,
Dyax Corp. (Nasdaq: DYAX) announced today its presentation at the Drug Discovery Technology Conference (Boston Convention Center), highlighting the Company's discovery that antibody targeting of Tie-1 leads to the inhibition of primary tumor growth in murine models.
The lead IgG antibody is derived from Dyax's proprietary human antibody phage display libraries. The therapeutic rationale for targeting Tie-1 (receptor tyrosine kinase) to inhibit tumor vascular development, and the results from the Company's preclinical studies, will be presented at 9:30 a.m. (ET) today by Clive R. Wood, Ph.D., Senior Vice President Discovery Research and Chief Scientific Officer of Dyax.
In vitro assays demonstrate that Dyax's lead antibody binds with high affinity to both human and murine endothelial cells that express Tie-1, and significantly inhibits both lung and colorectal tumor progression in mouse xenograft models. These data suggest that antibody-based targeting of Tie-1 offers a new mechanistic class of tumor angiogenesis inhibitor which is distinct from those targeting the vascular endothelial cell growth factor (VEGF) pathway.
Dyax's progress to date with Tie-1 has been made through a research collaboration between the Company and Dr. Kari Alitalo, a leading authority in the area of angiogenesis and cancer research, based at the University of Helsinki, Finland. In 2001, Dyax obtained exclusive rights from Licentia Ltd., technology transfer company associated with the University, to develop antibody therapeutics and/or diagnostic products against Tie-1. Dyax has in-licensed all relevant antibody intellectual property from Licentia, and has since developed its own patent estate in this area.
Commenting for Dyax, Dr. Wood said, "This has been a very productive collaboration between Dr. Alitalo's laboratory and Dyax Discovery Research. It represents a breakthrough for our understanding of Tie-1 and its role in tumor therapy. I am most excited about the potential clinical advantages of inhibiting tumor growth by targeting Tie-1 and the possible combination therapies that this new approach may offer."
Henry E. Blair, Chairman, President and CEO of Dyax added, "It has been a goal at Dyax to expand into oncology as we continue to advance our clinical programs in inflammation. In addition, we have been focused on isolating high quality antibodies from our libraries for formal development as we build our product pipeline. The discovery of this lead antibody against Tie-1 demonstrates success on both fronts." 
- The results from the Company's preclinical studies, will be presented at 9:30 a.m. (ET) today by Clive R. Wood, Ph.D., Senior Vice President Discovery Research and Chief Scientific Officer of Dyax.
www.dyax.com
About Dyax
Dyax Corp. is focused on advancing novel biotherapeutics for unmet medical needs, with an emphasis on cancer and inflammatory indications. Dyax utilizes its proprietary drug discovery technology to identify antibody, small protein and peptide compounds for clinical development.
DX-88 and DX-890 are recombinant small proteins that are currently in clinical trials for their therapeutic potential in three separate indications. In its joint venture with Genzyme Corporation, Dyax has successfully completed two Phase II trials of DX-88 for the treatment of hereditary angioedema (HAE). A third Phase II trial is ongoing, and a pivotal Phase III trial is planned. Independently, Dyax has successfully completed a Phase I/II trial of DX-88 for the prevention of blood loss during heart surgery (CABG procedures) and is in partnering discussions for further development of DX-88 in this indication. For DX-890, Debiopharm S.A. has completed two Phase IIa trials and is now conducting a Phase IIb trial of DX-890 for the treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF). Both compounds have orphan drug designation in the US and EU, and DX-88 also has Fast Track designation in the US for the treatment of HAE.
DX-88 and DX-890 were identified using Dyax's patented phage display technology, which rapidly selects compounds that bind with high affinity and specificity to therapeutic targets. Dyax leverages its technology broadly with over 75 revenue generating licenses and collaborations for therapeutic discovery, as well as in non-core areas such as affinity separations, diagnostic imaging, and research reagents.
Dyax is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and has antibody discovery facilities in Liege, Belgium. For online information about Dyax Corp., please visit www.dyax.com.
Dyax Disclaimer
This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the prospects for Dyax's Tie-1 antibody research program. Statements that are not historical facts are based on Dyax's current expectations, beliefs, assumptions, estimates, forecasts and projections about the industry and markets in which Dyax competes. The statements contained in this release are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions, which are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed in such forward-looking statements. Important factors which may affect the prospects for Dyax's Tie-1 antibody research program include the risks that: Dyax's Tie-1 antibody lead may not show therapeutic effect or an acceptable safety profile in preclinical and clinical trials; others may develop technologies or products superior to Dyax's Tie-1 antibody lead ; Dyax may not be able to obtain and maintain intellectual property protection for its Tie-1 antibody lead; and other risk factors described or referred to in Dyax's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and other periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Dyax cautions investors not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this release. These statements speak only as of the date of this release, and Dyax undertakes no obligations to update or revise these statements, except as may be required by law.
Dyax and the Dyax logo are the registered trademarks of Dyax Corp.
Contacts
Dyax Corp.
Sondra Henrichon, 617-250-5839
[email protected]
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