Isis And Collaborators Alleviate Disease In Animal Models Of Myotonic Dystrophy

CARLSBAD, Calif., Aug. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: ISIS) announced today that new preclinical data evaluating antisense compounds to treat myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) were published in the journal Nature.  These new findings show that antisense targeting of a toxic RNA, the disease causing component in DM1, resulted in reversal of disease symptoms that were sustained up to one year after treatment in a mouse model of DM1.

"DM1 is a progressive disease that leads to the gradual loss of muscle function.  Although DM1 is estimated to effect approximately 150,000 patients worldwide, there are no treatments available that could delay the onset of symptoms or slow down the progression of this debilitating disease.  We are encouraged by these early results, which build on the groundbreaking work conducted by Dr. Charles Thornton at the University of Rochester Medical Center and others elucidating the mechanism of DM1.  Using our antisense technology, we and our collaborators were able to target the toxic RNA, remove it and restore normal cell function," said Frank Bennett, Ph.D., Senior Vice President, Research at Isis. 

In the published study, Isis and collaborators from the University of Rochester evaluated antisense compounds in a mouse model of DM1.  Isis designed several antisense compounds to predominantly target an RNA with an expanded triplet repeat sequence characteristic of the genetic defect in DM1.  Researchers confirmed that the antisense compounds entered muscle cells and significantly reduced the toxic RNA, leading to reversal of the disease symptoms that were sustained for up to one year after treatment was discontinued. 

"We are very excited about the potential for antisense to treat severe and rare diseases, which often are not easily targeted with other therapeutic approaches.  In just a few years, we have been able to significantly expand our severe and rare disease franchise with new antisense drugs to treat diseases, including Spinal Muscular Atrophy and TTR Amyloidosis.  We also continue to evaluate a number of promising research programs, like DM1, where we believe that antisense offers an effective and unique approach to treating the disease," concluded Dr. Bennett.

In June 2012, Isis and Biogen Idec (NASDAQ:BIIB) entered into an exclusive, worldwide option and collaboration agreement to develop and commercialize a novel antisense drug targeting DMPK for the treatment of DM1. 

About DM1
Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 (DM1) is a genetic neuromuscular disease characterized by progressive muscle wasting and weakness, or dystrophy, and slowing of muscle relaxation, or myotonia.  DM1 also affects many other organs within the body, and patients with DM1 can experience insulin insensitivity, cataracts and infertility. It is passed from parent to child with each subsequent generation experiencing more severe disease earlier in life. The chance of a child inheriting DM1 is 50 percent if one parent carries the genetic defect. DM1 is caused by a defect in the dystrophia myotonica-protein kinase (DMPK) gene that produces an increase in the number of triplet repeats, CTG, within the gene. This DNA expansion produces an abnormally large toxic RNA that accumulates in cells, including muscle cells, and prevents production of proteins essential for normal cellular function.  There are no disease-modifying therapies for patients with DM1 and current treatments are intended to manage symptoms and minimize disability.

About Antisense and RNaseH
An antisense mechanism is a process by which a nucleic acid binds to a target RNA forming a duplex molecule. The formation of this duplex molecule prevents the RNA from functioning normally and producing a specific protein.  Using antisense, Isis' drugs can reduce the production of disease-causing proteins that are largely inaccessible to traditional drug discovery approaches.  The majority of Isis' antisense drugs in development activate a cellular enzyme called RNase H. Upon activation, RNase H seeks out and destroys the duplex mRNA, inhibiting a cell's production of a specific protein.  Treating DM1 offers a unique opportunity for antisense.  The genetic defect in the DMPK gene creates a toxic RNA rather than a disease-causing protein. The toxic RNA accumulates within the nucleus of the cell and prevents the production of proteins essential for normal cellular function.  RNase H activation occurs within the cell nucleus and therefore Isis' antisense drugs present a specific therapeutic strategy for treating DM1. 

ABOUT ISIS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
Isis is exploiting its leadership position in antisense technology to discover and develop novel drugs for its product pipeline and for its partners.  Isis' broad pipeline consists of 25 drugs to treat a wide variety of diseases with an emphasis on cardiovascular, metabolic, severe and rare diseases, and cancer.  Isis' partner, Genzyme, plans to commercialize Isis' lead product, KYNAMRO™, following regulatory approval.  Isis' patents provide strong and extensive protection for its drugs and technology.  Additional information about Isis is available at www.isispharm.com.

ISIS PHARMACEUTICALS' FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT
This press release includes forward-looking statements regarding the discovery, development and therapeutic potential, safety and commercialization of an antisense drug targeting DMPK for the treatment of DM1.  Any statement describing Isis' goals, expectations, financial or other projections, intentions or beliefs, including the planned commercialization of KYNAMRO™, is a forward-looking statement and should be considered an at-risk statement.  Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, particularly those inherent in the process of discovering, developing and commercializing drugs that are safe and effective for use as human therapeutics, and in the endeavor of building a business around such drugs.  Isis' forward-looking statements also involve assumptions that, if they never materialize or prove correct, could cause its results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  Although Isis' forward-looking statements reflect the good faith judgment of its management, these statements are based only on facts and factors currently known by Isis.  As a result, you are cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements.  These and other risks concerning Isis' programs are described in additional detail in Isis' annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 and its most recent quarterly report on Form 10-Q, which are on file with the SEC. Copies of these and other documents are available from the Company.

In this press release, unless the context requires otherwise, "Isis," "Company," "we," "our," and "us" refers to Isis Pharmaceuticals and its subsidiaries, including Regulus Therapeutics Inc., its jointly owned subsidiary.

Isis Pharmaceuticals® is a registered trademark of Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.  KYNAMRO™ is a trademark of Genzyme Corporation.

SOURCE Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.