Boston Life Sciences acquires exclusive license for T-cell switch factor; Potential major benefit in treatment of autoimmune diseases and allergies.WALTHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 25, 1996--Boston Life Sciences Inc. (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 : BLSI BLSI Boston Life Sciences, Inc. ) announced that it has obtained the worldwide exclusive rights to a patent application concerning a recently-discovered transcription factor that has been shown, in preclinical in vitro in vitro /in vi·tro/ (in ve´tro) [L.] within a glass; observable in a test tube; in an artificial environment. in vi·tro adj. In an artificial environment outside a living organism. tests, to regulate the switching of T helper 1 (TH1) cells into T helper 2 (TH2) cells. The ability to switch TH1 cells into TH2 cells (and vice versa VICE VERSA. On the contrary; on opposite sides. ) may be of significant value in the treatment of autoimmune diseases Autoimmune diseases A group of diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, in which immune cells turn on the body, attacking various tissues and organs. Mentioned in: Complement Deficiencies, Premature Menopause and allergies. This factor, named C-Maf, was discovered by a team of scientists led by Professor Laurie H. Glimcher at Harvard University. "We consider this is a major discovery and achievement in immunology, and therefore an extremely important additional asset for the Company," said Dr. Marc E. Lanser, chief scientific officer for BLSI. "To our knowledge, this is the first transcription factor that appears to regulate this switching of T helper cell T helper cell see helper lymphocyte. phenotypes. Many scientists believe that an excess of Th1 cells are strongly associated with the development of autoimmune diseases and an excess of Th2 cells are associated with allergies. We hope that any ultimate products resulting from this discovery will have the potential to treat both autoimmune diseases and allergies by re-establishing the correct balance between Th1 and Th2 cells." "While there can be no assurance that the discovery of C-Maf will generate any products approved for commercial sale, we currently expect to make this a major area of focus for BLSI," stated David Hillson, the company's president. BLSI plans to provide funding support for the ongoing development of this technology through Glimcher's laboratory at Harvard. BLSI is engaged in the research and development of novel treatments for cancer, autoimmune diseases, and central nervous system disorders Nervous system disorders A satisfactory classification of diseases of the nervous system should include not only the type of reaction (congenital malformation, infection, trauma, neoplasm, vascular diseases, and degenerative, metabolic, toxic, or deficiency . BLSI's products in clinical trials or in pre-clinical development include Cartilage-derived Inhibitor (CDI CDI compact disc interactive: a system for storing a mix of software, data, audio, and compressed video for interactive use under processor control ), a natural anti-angiogenesis factor for the treatment of solid tumors; Axogenesis Factor 1 (AF-1), a novel central nervous system growth factor; Altropane(TM), a radioimaging agent for the diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease; THERAFECTIN(R) for the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis; and a different transcription factor that controls the expression of molecules associated with autoimmune disease. CONTACT: Boston Life Sciences Inc. Marc E. Lanser, 617/890-8263 or H. L. Lanzet Inc. Herbert Lanzet, 212/687-0061 |
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