Bio-Technology General announces filing of investigational new drug application for clot imaging agent.ISELIN, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 30, 1996--Bio-Technology General Corp. (NASDAQ NASDAQ in full National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations U.S. market for over-the-counter securities. Established in 1971 by the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD), NASDAQ is an automated quotation system that reports on :BTGC BTGC Bio-Technology General (stock symbol) BTGC Bukit Tinggi Golf Club (Malaysia) ) today announced that Merck Frosst Canada Inc., has filed an investigational new drug (IND) application with the Health Protection Branch in Ottawa for a thrombus thrombus /throm·bus/ (throm´bus) pl. throm´bi a stationary blood clot along the wall of a blood vessel, frequently causing vascular obstruction. (blood clot) imaging agent containing a genetically engineered polypeptide developed and supplied by BTG. The polypeptide developed by BTG binds to fibrin fibrin: see blood clotting. found in thrombi thrombi /throm·bi/ (throm´bi) plural of thrombus. . When linked to a radioactive label through a proprietary process developed by Merck Frosst, it enables the imaging and detection of clots. The polypeptide may have certain advantages in the detection of deep vein thrombosis A blood clot (thrombos) in a vein deep within the muscle, typically in the thigh or calf. It is caused by disease or the lack of activity such as sitting for hours at a computer screen. and pulmonary embolism (lung clots) over other methods of detection because of its high affinity and specificity to clots and the fact that it is non-immunogenic since it is a genetically engineered human protein. The alternative methods of deep vein thrombosis detection are frequently less sensitive and either difficult to perform, uncomfortable for the patient, or sometimes may cause serious side effects. There are approximately 200,000 deaths each year in the United States alone directly or indirectly resulting from venous thrombosis (clots in veins) and pulmonary emboli emboli /em·bo·li/ (em´bo-li) plural of embolus. Emboli Plural of embolus. An embolus is something that blocks the blood flow in a blood vessel. . The vast majority of pulmonary emboli arise from deep vein thrombi. Therefore, an accurate, highly specific diagnosis with a thrombus imaging agent could help improve the early detection and prevention of life threatening complications. Merck Frosst has licensed from BTG worldwide rights to the fibrin binding polypeptide and will pay royalties to BTG on sales of the imaging agent when approved for marketing. In seeking to establish a proprietary position for the polypeptide, BTG has filed numerous patent applications. On December 14, 1993, U.S. Letters Patent No. 5,270,030 directed to the polypeptide, a plasmid expressing it, and the purified polypeptide issued, and on October 3, 1995, U.S. Letters Patent No. 5,455,158 directed to a method for imaging using BTG's fibrin binding polypeptide issued. Corresponding patent applications are pending around the world. Bio-Technology General Corp. develops, manufactures and markets genetically engineered and other products for human health care. Merck Frosst Canada Inc. is based in Kirkland, Quebec and is Canada's leading innovative pharmaceutical company. In addition to radiopharmaceutical products, the company markets an extensive line of products indicated for the treatment of osteoporosis, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, glaucoma, benign prostatic hyperplasia benign prostatic hyperplasia n. Abbr. BPH A nonmalignant enlargement of the prostate gland commonly occurring in men after the age of 50, and sometimes leading to compression of the urethra and obstruction of the flow of urine. and other diseases. CONTACT: Investor Relations Company Contact Don Weinberger Leah Berkovits STRATEGIC GROWTH INTERNATIONAL BIO-TECHNOLOGY GENERAL CORP. 516/829-7111 908/632-8800 |
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