Pieris Announces Positive Preclinical Data on c-Met Anticalin Drug Program
By Pieris Ag, PRNEThursday, April 29, 2010
Novel Approach With PRS-110 Shows Dose-Dependent Response in Cancer Model
FREISING-WEIHENSTEPHAN, Germany, April 30, 2010 - Pieris AG announced today preclinical data for its proprietary PRS-110
Anticalin(R) compound, which targets the c-Met receptor, demonstrating a
dose-dependant reduction of tumor growth in a xenograft mouse model. The
results provide an indication that an Anticalin approach to antagonizing the
c-Met pathway may be of significant therapeutic value in treating cancer. A
broad body of research has shown that c-Met plays a role in several
mechanisms by which cancer cells proliferate and escape programmed cell
death.
"These preclinical data firmly support our conviction that an Anticalin,
which is monomeric by nature, is particularly suited for antagonizing a
receptor activated through dimerization such as c-Met," stated Stephen Yoder,
CEO of Pieris. "Based on the strength of these data, we have initiated
additional studies in multiple models to further validate this exciting
compound."
Produced in a tumor xenograft mouse model of cancer autocrine for the
production of human HGF ligand, the data show potent dose-dependant
inhibition of tumor growth by PRS-110 as compared to the untreated animals.
PRS-110 targets c-Met, or mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor, which is
a receptor often activated on cancer cells, and plays a role in cancer cell
proliferation, metastasis and angiogenesis.
Pieris has developed its anti-c-Met PRS-110 compound using its
proprietary Anticalin technology. Anticalins are engineered lipocalins,
endogenous low-molecular weight human proteins typically found in blood
plasma and other body fluids that naturally bind, store and transport a wide
spectrum of molecules. Through its proprietary libraries, the company can
rapidly generate Anticalins against a broad spectrum of therapeutic targets.
About Pieris
Pieris AG is an independent biotechnology company advancing its
proprietary Anticalin(R) technology to create safer, more efficacious and
more convenient protein therapeutics. Exclusive to Pieris, Anticalin-based
drugs promise to address high-unmet medical needs and expand the therapeutic
potential of current targeted approaches. Pieris' pipeline ranges from its
lead compound (anti-VEGF, oncology), entering the clinic in the first half of
2010, to multiple Anticalins in preclinical development. Pieris will
commercialize Anticalin therapeutics through strategic partnerships,
involving both its proprietary pipeline and its de novo drug discovery
capabilities. Its most recent partnership is with Allergan, Inc. (NYSE: AGN),
focusing on novel treatments for eye diseases. Privately held, Pieris has
been funded by premier biotechnology-focused venture capital, including lead
investors OrbiMed Advisors and Global Life Science Ventures.
For further information, please contact: Pieris AG Stephen Yoder, CEO Phone +49(0)8161-1411-400 Email: yoder@pieris-ag.com
For further information, please contact: Pieris AG, Stephen Yoder, CEO, Phone +49(0)8161-1411-400, Email: yoder at pieris-ag.com
Tags: April 30, Freising-weihenstephan, Germany, Pieris AG