Alfacell
Corporation (Nasdaq: ACEL) today announced that in vivo study results
demonstrating the potential of ONCONASE (ranpirnase) for the treatment of
non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were recently published in Anticancer
Research (2007; 27: 299- 308).
Based on the work of Intae Lee, Ph.D., at the University of
Pennsylvania, a paper entitled "Antitumor Efficacy of the Cytotoxic RNase,
Ranpirnase, on A549 Human Lung Cancer Xenografts of Nude Mice" shows that:
-- ONCONASE significantly inhibited tumor growth of A549 NSCLC cells both
in vitro and in vivo; apoptosis was significantly induced by ONCONASE in
a dose-dependent manner
-- Multiple small doses of ONCONASE were more effective than one large
single dose of ONCONASE for the inhibition of tumor growth in animal
studies
-- ONCONASE in combination with cisplatin significantly reduced tumor
growth of A549 cells; in large tumors, including those unsuccessfully
treated with cisplatin previously, ONCONASE demonstrated inhibition of
tumor growth
"ONCONASE has important potential clinical uses for the treatment of
NSCLC," said Dr. Lee. "We are pleased that the results of our studies have
helped to guide the clinical development of ONCONASE for NSCLC."
Kuslima Shogen, Alfacell's chairman and chief executive officer, said,
"The publication of this paper in an important peer-reviewed journal is
further recognition of the potential of ONCONASE. This data is evidence
that ONCONASE has the potential to overcome resistance to, and enhance the
performance of, cisplatin. We expect to continue advancing ONCONASE through
the development process as we work to build a broad franchise in different
therapeutic areas and via multiple treatment modalities."
About ONCONASE(R)
ONCONASE is a first-in-class therapeutic based on Alfacell's
proprietary ribonuclease (RNase) technology. A natural protein isolated
from the leopard frog, ONCONASE has been shown in the laboratory and clinic
to target cancer cells while sparing normal cells. ONCONASE triggers
apoptosis, the natural death of cells, via multiple molecular mechanisms of
action.
About Alfacell Corporation
Alfacell Corporation is the first company to advance a
biopharmaceutical product candidate that works in a manner similar to RNA
interference (RNAi) through late-stage clinical trials. The product
candidate, ONCONASE, is an RNase that overcomes the challenges of targeting
RNA for therapeutic purposes while enabling the development of a new class
of targeted therapies for cancer and other life-threatening diseases. In
addition to an ongoing Phase IIIb study in malignant mesothelioma, Alfacell
is conducting a Phase I/II trial of ONCONASE in non-small cell lung cancer
(NSCLC) and other solid tumors. For more information, visit
alfacell.
Safe Harbor
This press release includes statements that may constitute "forward-
looking" statements, usually containing the words "believe," "estimate,"
"project," "expect" or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements
involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ
materially from the forward-looking statements. Factors that would cause or
contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to,
uncertainties involved in transitioning from concept to product,
uncertainties involving the ability of the company to finance research and
development activities, potential challenges to or violations of patents,
uncertainties regarding the outcome of clinical trials, the company's
ability to secure necessary approvals from regulatory agencies, dependence
upon third-party vendors, and other risks discussed in the company's
periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. By making
these forward-looking statements, the company undertakes no obligation to
update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this
release.
Alfacell Corporation
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