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01-23-2007, 05:23 PM | #1 | ||
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In Remembrance
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Sangamo Receives Michael J. Fox Foundation Funding to Develop Novel ZFP Therapeutic for the Treatment of Parkinson's Disease
23.01.2007 19:28 http://www.finanznachrichten.de/nach...el-7628476.asp RICHMOND, Calif., Jan. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Sangamo BioSciences, (Nachrichten) Inc. announced today that it has been awarded funding by The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (MJFF) to support the development of a ZFP Therapeutic(TM) to treat Parkinson's disease (PD). The $950,000 award will be paid over a period of two years. Sangamo will develop zinc-finger DNA-binding protein transcription factors (ZFP TFs(TM)) to activate the expression of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), a potent neurotrophic factor that has shown promise in preclinical testing to slow or stop the progression of Parkinson's disease. "We are enthusiastic about Sangamo's novel approach to GDNF as it fits squarely within our desire to promote alternative therapeutic strategies for this and other promising molecules," said Brian Fiske, PhD, associate director of research programs for MJFF. "The work is of particular interest given that Sangamo already has similar technology in clinical trials for diabetic neuropathy and peripheral artery disease and, with a positive result, could proceed rapidly into clinical trials for PD." Sangamo's technology platform permits the development of highly specific ZFP TFs that can be used to regulate or modify genes at the DNA level. Using a ZFP TF, a gene can be activated in a patient's own cells in its natural cellular context. Use of a ZFP TF to activate the GDNF gene in the brain -- as compared to addition of a GDNF cDNA or the recombinant protein -- may allow the delivery of a more physiologically relevant dose of the growth factor. This may be of particular significance when targeting potent natural growth factors such as GDNF, where sufficient but not super-physiological levels of the therapeutic protein are required to achieve potency with safety. "We are very pleased that The Michael J. Fox Foundation is recognizing and supporting the potential of Sangamo's unique technology with this award," said Edward Lanphier, Sangamo's President and CEO. "We believe that our approach to therapeutic gene regulation, which mimics the natural regulation of the gene in the body, has advantages over other approaches that add GDNF as either the gene or the recombinant protein. Success in this project would establish the validity of the use of ZFP TFs in the brain and set the stage for the application of this powerful technology to other genes that may have a therapeutic benefit in PD." About Sangamo BioSciences, Inc. Sangamo BioSciences, Inc. is focused on the research and development of novel DNA-binding proteins for therapeutic gene regulation and modification. The most advanced ZFP Therapeutic(TM) development program is currently in a Phase 2 clinical trial for evaluation of safety in patients with diabetic neuropathy. Phase 1 clinical trials are ongoing to evaluate a ZFP Therapeutic for peripheral artery disease. Other therapeutic development programs are focused on ischemic heart disease, neuropathic pain, cancer and infectious and monogenic diseases. Sangamo's core competencies enable the engineering of a class of DNA-binding proteins known as zinc finger DNA-binding proteins (ZFPs). By engineering ZFPs that recognize a specific DNA sequence Sangamo has created ZFP transcription factors (ZFP TF(TM)) that can control gene expression and, consequently, cell function. Sangamo is also developing sequence-specific ZFP Nucleases (ZFN(TM)) for therapeutic gene modification as a treatment for a variety of monogenic diseases, such as X-linked SCID and hemophilia, and for infectious diseases, such as HIV. Sangamo has established several Enabling Technology Agreements with companies to apply its ZFP Technology to enhance the production of protein pharmaceuticals. For more information about Sangamo, visit the company's web site at http://www.sangamo.com/ . This press release may contain forward-looking statements based on Sangamo's current expectations. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, references to the research and development of novel ZFP TFs and ZFNs and therapeutic applications of Sangamo's ZFP technology platform. Actual results may differ materially from these forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including uncertainties relating to technological challenges, Sangamo's ability to develop commercially viable products and technological developments by our competitors. See the company's SEC filings, and in particular, the risk factors described in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and its most recent 10-Q. Sangamo BioSciences, Inc. assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking information contained in this press release. Paula
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paula "Time is not neutral for those who have pd or for those who will get it." |
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01-23-2007, 08:51 PM | #2 | |||
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Senior Member
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Paula
Thank you for posting this! Most excellent news indeed!!
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Jean B This isn't the life I wished for, but it is the life I have. So I'm doing my best. |
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01-23-2007, 10:24 PM | #3 | |||
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Member
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Great news, Paula! Thanks for posting. More from their web site:
http://www.sangamo.com/human/human_thera_overview.html |
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01-23-2007, 10:55 PM | #4 | ||
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In Remembrance
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Does this mean we have a watchdog? Sure hope so.
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/st...04511375&EDATE= Foundation Awards $4.6 Million to 10 Industry Teams for Parkinson's Drug Development Research Paula
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paula "Time is not neutral for those who have pd or for those who will get it." Last edited by paula_w; 01-23-2007 at 11:03 PM. |
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01-24-2007, 06:29 AM | #5 | |||
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Member
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Paula,
Thanks for posting this information. I think it's the first I've heard about it. I'm off to learn more about ZFP TFs. GregD |
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01-24-2007, 05:20 PM | #6 | ||
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In Remembrance
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http://www.bctechnology.com/scripts/...s.cfm?id=24001
Michael J. Fox Foundation Funds Allon to Evaluate AL-108 for Parkinson’s Disease http://www.allontherapeutics.com Vancouver, BC, January 24, 2007--(T-Net)--Allon Therapeutics (TSX:NPC), The Neuro Protection Company, today announced it has received funding from The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research to evaluate the effectiveness of Allon’s lead drug AL-108 in pre-clinical models of Parkinson’s disease. Gordon McCauley, President and CEO of Allon, said the pre-clinical studies will be started immediately and, if successful, Allon would be in a position to begin a Phase II clinical trial to evaluate the drug’s effectiveness in Parkinson’s patients as early as 2008. The Company has specifically designed their Phase I human clinical trials to provide safety coverage that can be applied across a broad range of neurodegenerative diseases. “The Michael J. Fox Foundation has driven groundbreaking work in Parkinson’s and we look forward to using MJFF funding to extend development of our drug platforms,” said McCauley. “This award provides Allon with an opportunity to expand its work into another major market where there is a large unmet medical need.” “The Foundation is pleased to provide funding to help determine whether AL-108’s neuroprotection is applicable to Parkinson’s. The work is of particular interest given that, with a positive result, Allon could proceed directly into a Phase II efficacy trial,” said Brian Fiske, PhD, associate director of research programs for MJFF. Parkinson's disease is the direct result of the deterioration of cells, called dopaminergic neurons, which produce dopamine, a chemical messenger responsible for transmitting signals within the brain. Loss of dopamine causes critical nerve neurons to fire out of control, leaving patients unable to direct or control their movement in a normal manner. The studies funded by the Michael J. Fox Foundation will allow Allon to test whether AL-108 can protect against and/or repair the deterioration of dopaminergic neurons in two animal models of Parkinson’s disease. An estimated 1.5 million people in North America suffer from Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disease, and its incidence is expected to increase significantly over the next 25 years as the population ages. There is currently no cure for Parkinson's disease, and although drugs have been developed that can help patients manage many of the symptoms, these drugs do not stop the disease from progressing. Current therapies also have significant long-term side effects and often stop working. According to Datamonitor, sales of Parkinson’s disease drugs in the seven major pharmaceutical markets was approximately $1.8 billion in 2005. Allon’s drugs are unique in that in preclinical animal studies they prevent and treat the causes of neurodegeneration, including Alzheimer’s disease and stroke. AL-108 has been shown in numerous preclinical animal studies to prevent deterioration of neurons through interaction with tubulin, the protein that forms microtubules. Microtubules are key parts of the communication pathways inside neurons. Assembly of microtubules is essential for the ongoing regeneration of the nervous system and for combating neurodegenerative diseases. The Company has two products in Phase II human clinical trials. AL-108 is being evaluated in a Phase II trial as a treatment for Mild Cognitive Impairment-Alzheimer’s disease and Allon recently announced a third Phase II study looking at cognitive impairment in schizophrenia in collaboration with TURNS (Treatment Units for Research on Neurocognition and Schizophrenia) funded by the United States National Institute of Mental Health. The intravenous product, AL-208 is being evaluated in a Phase II trial to prevent and treat the mild cognitive impairment (MCI) that commonly occurs after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. About Allon Allon Therapeutics Inc. is a Canadian biotechnology company developing drugs that protect against neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment, stroke, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis and neuropathy. The Company is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol "NPC" (Neuro Protection Company) and based in Vancouver. For additional information visit www.allontherapeutics.com. About the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research Founded in 2000, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research is dedicated to ensuring the development of a cure for Parkinson’s disease within this decade through an aggressively funded research agenda. The Foundation has funded over $90 million in research to date, either directly or through partnerships. Forward Looking Statements There are forward-looking statements contained herein that are not based on historical fact, including without limitation statements containing the words “believes,” “may,” “plans,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “expects,” and similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, events or developments to be materially different from any future results, events or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, Allon’s stage of development, lack of product revenues, additional capital requirements, risks associated with the completion of clinical trials and obtaining regulatory approval to market Allon’s products, the ability to protect its intellectual property and dependence on collaborative partners. These factors should be considered carefully and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any such factors or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments. For further information: Investor and Media contact: Aaron Keay Manager, Investor Relations Allon Therapeutics Inc. P: (604) 742 2540 C: (604) 323 6911 E: akeay@allontherapeutics.com
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paula "Time is not neutral for those who have pd or for those who will get it." |
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