AVI BioPharma Announces Positive Data on New Prostate Cancer Target
PORTLAND, Ore. - June 20, 2003 - AVI BioPharma, Inc. (Nasdaq: AVII, AVIIW, AVIIZ), today announced that AVI scientists Gayathri R. Devi, Ph.D., and Adams Amantana, Ph.D., presented research data describing the successful inhibition of XIAP, one of a family of genes known to inhibit apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in cancer cells using an antisense strategy. Their presentation is at the 85th Annual Meeting of the Endocrine Society at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia.
The presentation will highlight results from a series of preclinical studies using AVI BioPharma's NeuGene® antisense technology to block the expression of the gene XIAP. In a wide variety of cancers, including prostate cancer, the production of XIAP helps tumors grow by preventing apoptosis, which would normally occur in cells damaged by chemotherapy. Prostate cancer cells that have become resistant to chemotherapy typically exhibit anti-apoptotic behavior. By using NeuGene antisense drugs to block the XIAP gene, the AVI scientists demonstrated that prostate cancer cells that previously became resistant to chemotherapy can be resensitized to chemotherapy drugs. The XIAP target was selected over other potential anti-apoptotic targets, such as BCL-2, because of its broader application to the apoptotic pathways in cancer.
"We intend to pursue this target further as a way to treat prostate cancer patients," said Denis R. Burger, Ph.D., CEO of AVI BioPharma. "This study builds on our previous experience in several cancer indications, using our NeuGene antisense drugs to block select genes that are associated with cancer progression. Target selection is a critical component to antisense drug development for cancer, and with preclinical data for XIAP and androgen receptor targets and clinical data for the c-myc target, we believe we have assembled a robust antisense cancer program."
Each year, prostate cancer is diagnosed in an estimated 190,000 men in the United States and takes the lives of approximately 30,000, making it the most common cancer for men in America.
About AVI BioPharma
AVI BioPharma develops therapeutic products for the treatment of life-threatening diseases using two technology platforms: NeuGene antisense drugs and cancer immunotherapy. Its lead cancer agent, AVICINE®, a therapeutic cancer vaccine, has completed three Phase II trials in colorectal and pancreatic cancer, and the company plans to initiate a Phase III pivotal trial in pancreatic cancer, with a supporting study in colorectal cancer. The first application of its NeuGene compounds, Resten-NG™, is designed to treat cancer, cardiovascular restenosis and other cell proliferation disorders by inhibiting the production of a cellular transcription factor, the oncogene c-myc. The company is currently in a Phase II trial for restenosis. AVI has completed four Phase I NeuGene antisense studies that successfully down-regulated the liver enzyme cytochrome P-450 and modified drug metabolism, a Phase Ib trial in polycystic kidney disease, and a Phase Ib trial in cancer. More information about AVI is available on the Company's Web site at http://www.avibio.com/.
"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: The statements that are not historical facts contained in this release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the results of research and development efforts, the results of preclinical and clinical testing, the effect of regulation by the FDA and other agencies, the impact of competitive products, product development, commercialization and technological difficulties, and other risks detailed in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings.