Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and Vion to collaborate on research effort
NEW HAVEN, CT, AUGUST 9, 2000 -- Vion pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ NM: VION) today announced that Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) and Vion have been awarded a $141,000 research contract by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to study the use of Vion's TAPET® bacterial vector technology (Tumor Amplified Protein Expression Therapy) for the diagnostic imaging of tumors. The focus of this joint effort by MSKCC and Vion is to perform a preliminary investigation of TAPET-based tumor diagnostic imaging in preclinical animal models, as well as to determine the suitability of this approach for tumor diagnosis based on defined molecular signatures.
Alan Kessman, president and CEO of Vion, stated, "We are pleased to be working with the investigators at MSKCC to study the diagnostic imaging properties of TAPET, and the receipt of the award by the NCI underscores the potential of TAPET as an imaging tool. Preferential accumulation of TAPET organisms in tumors is now well-documented in mice. However, the biologic features of tumors that result in development of such high TAPET tumor-to-normal tissue ratios are not well defined. Part of the purpose of this project is to begin to define what it is about tumors that TAPET vectors prefer. With validation of the use of TAPET for diagnostic imaging of tumors and further understanding of the molecular signatures responsible for preferential accumulation of TAPET bacteria, we will be eligible to apply for additional NCI funding. But just as importantly, we can apply the information to enhance the development of our therapeutic vectors."
Ronald Blasberg, M.D., a Member (Professor) in the Department Neurology and in the Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics Program at MSKCC, is a collaborator in the project. He added, "While our ability to diagnose small tumors using conventional approaches is still limited, we hope that an approach using Vion's TAPET could expand our diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities."
TAPET is the designation for Salmonella bacteria that have been genetically altered to reduce or prevent the usual consequences of infection. In extensive preclinical studies, TAPET bacteria have been shown to accumulate preferentially in tumors, inhibiting their growth. Scientists at both Vion and Yale University have demonstrated the antitumor activity of TAPET in mouse models. Toxicology studies have been conducted in several species including monkeys, and these studies have shown that administration of high doses of TAPET is safe and well-tolerated. Vion scientists have also demonstrated the capacity of the Salmonella in preclinical studies to carry and express genes coding for therapeutic anticancer agents, thus permitting the delivery of the anticancer agents to tumors in high concentrations while avoiding toxicity to normal tissues. The company recently received a U.S. patent on its TAPET technology, which covers the pharmaceutical composition and method of use of Salmonella for the inhibition of growth and/or reduction of volume in solid tumors when administered in vivo.
Vion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company engaged in the research, development and commercialization of cancer treatment technologies. Vion's product portfolio consists of TAPET, a drug delivery platform, and cancer therapeutics (Triapine ® and Sulfonyl Hydrazine Prodrugs). TAPET has been shown in preclinical models to effectively deliver anticancer agents while having a minimal toxic effect on healthy normal tissues. TAPET uses genetically altered strains of Salmonella as a bacterial vector, or vehicle, for delivering cancer fighting drugs preferentially to solid tumors. Triapine, which is designed to prevent the replication of tumor cells by blocking a critical step in the synthesis of DNA, is currently being evaluated for its safety in a Phase I clinical trial. Sulfonyl Hydrazine Prodrugs, compounds that are designed to be converted to unique potent, alkylating agents, are currently being evaluated in preclinical studies. For additional information on Vion and its research and product development programs, visit the company's Internet web site at http://www.vionpharm.com.
Statements included in this press release, which are not historical in nature, are forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe-harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements regarding the company's future business prospects, plans, objectives, expectations and intentions are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or suggested in the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to those contained in Vion Pharmaceutical's Registration Statement filed on Form S-3/A (file no. 333-79939). This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the common stock nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state.
COMPANY CONTACTS: Vion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
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