Presentation of Data on Progen's Cancer Epigenetic Targets Platform
BRISBANE, Australia, May 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- (NASDAQ:PGLA) New data on Progen's cancer
epigenetic targets program will be presented tomorrow at the
American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Epigenetics Meeting
in Boston by Progen's collaborators at the Johns Hopkins
University.
The data to be presented demonstrates that compounds in Progen's
existing preclinical cancer epigenetics program functionally
inhibit the activity of LSD-1, an exciting new epigenetic cancer
target which, if inhibited, may activate genes that protect against
tumor development. These LSD-1 inhibitors are the first to
demonstrate effective re-expression of aberrantly silenced genes by
targeting this recently discovered cancer gene regulator.
Dr. Laurence Marton, Progen's Chief Scientific Officer, said,
"We have discovered from in vitro testing that by inhibiting LSD-1
with this new class of compounds we can reactivate genes that
normally suppress cancer and are deactivated in cancer-triggering
processes. We are now extending these studies to animal cancer
models to determine if we can inhibit the growth of
tumors."
"This is a new frontier in cancer treatment and we are excited
to be entering this novel therapeutic area", said Dr.
Marton.
Progen already has preliminary preclinical efficacy data for
many of its cancer epigenetics compounds, and is planning to move
additional related compounds into further efficacy, safety and
pharmacokinetic models within the coming months.
About the AACR Cancer Epigenetic Special Conference: The AACR
special conference on cancer epigenetics assembles prominent
investigators in the field to discuss recent advances in this
rapidly moving area. It provides a unique forum to review the
remarkable progress in this area over the past few years, and
provides a glimpse of where the field is moving, with a strong
emphasis on translational epigenetics research.
About Progen: Progen Pharmaceuticals is a globally focused
biotechnology company committed to the discovery, development and
commercialization of small molecule pharmaceuticals primarily for
the treatment of cancer. Progen has built a focus and strength in
anti-cancer drug discovery and development. Progen targets the
multiple mechanisms of cancer across its three technology
platforms, angiogenesis, epigenetics and cell proliferation. Progen
has operations in Australia and the US.
About Epigenetics: Epigenetics is defined as inherited changes
in gene expression that are not associated with changes in the DNA
sequence itself, but rather are associated with changes in the
activation and regulation of gene transcription. Its role in
cancer, through the aberrant silencing or repression of gene
expression, is now recognized and a number of epigenetic targets in
oncology have now been identified. LSD-1 is the first enzyme
identified to specifically demethylate histone proteins
(demethylates Lysine 4 of histone H3) and plays an important role
in the regulation of specific cancer suppressor genes. LSD-1
inhibitors prevent the action of LSD-1, causing increased levels of
histone methylation, resulting in the reactivation of the cancer
suppressing genes.
This press release contains forward-looking statements that are
based on current management expectations. These statements may
differ materially from actual future events or results due to
certain risks and uncertainties, including without limitation,
risks associated with drug development and manufacture, risks
inherent in the extensive regulatory approval process mandated by
the United States Food and Drug Administration and the Australian
Therapeutic Goods Administration, delays in obtaining the necessary
approvals for clinical testing, patient recruitment, delays in the
conduct of clinical trials, market acceptance of PI-88, PI-166,
PG545, PG11047 and other drugs, future capital needs, general
economic conditions, and other risks and uncertainties detailed
from time to time in the Company's filings with the Australian
Securities Exchange and the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission. Moreover, there can be no assurance that others will
not independently develop similar products or processes or design
around patents owned or licensed by the Company, or that patents
owned or licensed by the Company will provide meaningful protection
or competitive advantages.
Progen Information: Media and Investor Relations Australia: Linton Burns Cindy Ingram Progen Pharmaceuticals Limited Progen Pharmaceuticals Limited T: +61 7 3842 3333 T: +61 7 3842 3333 E: lintonb@progen-pharma.com E: cindyi@progen-pharma.com
Source: Progen Pharmaceuticals Limited
CONTACT: Linton Burns, +61-7-3842-3333, lintonb@progen-pharma.com;
Media
and Investor Relations in Australia, Cindy Ingram,
+61-7-3842-3333,
cindyi@progen-pharma.com,
both of Progen Pharmaceuticals Limited
Web site: http://www.progen.com.au/
Posted: May 2008
