Alfacell Corporation
(Nasdaq: ACEL) announced that a paper published in Advances in
Experimental Medicine and Biology (2007; 599: 53-60) reports that ONCONASE
significantly enhances the effect of the radiation response in human
non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in vitro and in vivo.
The ongoing research conducted at the University of Pennsylvania shows
that in cell culture (in vitro) studies using A549 human NSCLC cells,
ONCONASE increased the radiation response by inducing inhibition of O2
consumption in tumor cells. The occurrence of apoptosis (cell death) was
increased by ONCONASE and was dependent on ONCONASE dosage and length of
exposure. Additionally, in animal (in vivo) studies, ONCONASE significantly
increased the radiation-induced tumor growth delay of A549 human NSCLC
tumors. Other findings from the research indicated that ONCONASE could also
be a good candidate for the treatment of gefitinib resistant NSCLC.
"This investigation suggests important potential clinical uses of
ONCONASE for the treatment of NSCLC cancer patients," said Intae Lee,
Ph.D., of the University of Pennsylvania.
Kuslima Shogen, Alfacell's chairman and chief executive officer, added:
"This research further supports our efforts to expand the use of ONCONASE
into therapeutic areas that may benefit all patients suffering from
cancer."
About ONCONASE(R)
ONCONASE is a first-in-class product candidate 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
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"project," "expect" or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements
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uncertainties involved in transitioning from concept to product,
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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
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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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