Sangamo BioSciences Provides Update on Phase 1 Safety Trial of SB-728-T for HIV/AIDS
RICHMOND, Calif., Nov. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sangamo
BioSciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:SGMO) announced today that data from the
University of Pennsylvania investigator sponsored Phase 1 safety
study of Sangamo's zinc finger nuclease (ZFN) based product,
SB-728-T, for HIV/AIDS were inadvertently and prematurely disclosed
on the internet.
Data were presented in a student course at the University of
Pennsylvania School of Medicine from a single subject treated with
SB-728-T who, as part of the study, began a structured treatment
interruption (STI) from his antiviral drug therapy four weeks after
SB-728-T treatment. This subject was reported to have stable CD4+
and ZFN-modified T-cell levels and an undetectable viral load one
month post STI initiation. Previous studies have shown that in
subjects undergoing an STI, the average time to detection of an
increase in viral load is two to four weeks. While this subject
continues to demonstrate stable CD4+ T-cell counts and stable
levels of ZFN-modified T-cells, by six weeks post STI initiation
the subject had a detectable viral load.
As previously stated, the company and the University of
Pennsylvania intend to provide updates on the two ongoing Phase 1
SB-728-T trials only at appropriate scientific or medical
meetings.
About Sangamo
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 Phase 2 clinical trials for
evaluation of safety and clinical effect in patients with diabetic
neuropathy and ALS. Sangamo also has two Phase 1 clinical trials to
evaluate safety and clinical effect of a ZFP Therapeutic for the
treatment of HIV/AIDS. Other therapeutic development programs are
focused on cancer, neuropathic pain, nerve regeneration,
Parkinson's disease 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) that can control gene
expression and, consequently, cell function. Sangamo is also
developing sequence-specific ZFP Nucleases (ZFN) for gene
modification. Sangamo has established strategic partnerships with
companies in non-therapeutic applications of its technology
including Dow AgroSciences, Sigma-Aldrich Corporation. 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 clinical trials of
SB-728-T, 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 the completion of stages of the SB-728-T clinical
trials, whether the SB-728-T clinical trials will validate and
support tolerability and efficacy of SB-728-T, technological
challenges, Sangamo's ability to develop commercially viable
products and technological developments by our competitors. See
Sangamo's SEC filings, and in particular, the risk factors
described in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and most
recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Sangamo BioSciences, Inc.
assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking information
contained in this press release.
Source: Sangamo BioSciences, Inc.
CONTACT: Elizabeth Wolffe, Ph.D. of Sangamo BioSciences,
Inc.,
+1-510-970-6000, ext. 271, ewolffe@sangamo.com
Web Site: http://www.sangamo.com/
Posted: November 2009
