DECODE INITIATES PHASE IIA CLINICAL TRIAL FOR DG031.deCODE genetics (Nasdaq:DCGN), Reykjavik, Iceland, has initiated its ten-week, information-rich Phase IIa clinical trial of DG031, its developmental compound for the prevention of heart attack. The trial is designed to examine the effect of various doses of DG031 on biomarkers such as C-reactive protein C-Reactive Protein Definition C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein produced by the liver and found in the blood. Purpose C-reactive protein is not normally found in the blood of healthy people. (CRP C-reactive protein (CRP) A protein present in blood serum in various abnormal states, like inflammation. Mentioned in: Pelvic Inflammatory Disease CRP, n.pr See C-reactive protein. ) and myeloperoxidase and on the production of leukotrienes Leukotrienes A class of small molecules produced by cells in response to allergen exposure; they contribute to allergy and asthma symptoms. Mentioned in: Leukotriene Inhibitors leukotrienes . deCODE has isolated common versions of genes within the leukotriene leukotriene /leu·ko·tri·ene/ (-tri´en) any of a group of biologically active compounds derived from arachidonic acid that function as regulators of allergic and inflammatory reactions. pathway that correlate with increased risk of heart attack. This risk is the result of increased inflammation in atherosclerotic plaques, contributing to plaque rupture. DG031 is designed to inhibit the activity of the FLAP, or 5-lipoxygenase activating protein, that modulates the activity of the leukotriene pathway. The trial is scheduled to conclude in late August and the company expects to present the results in the fall. "This is an exciting study, because DG031 represents a potentially powerful new means of treating the causes of heart attack," said Kari Stefansson, CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. of deCODE. "We are using our information-rich clinical capabilities to gauge DG031's impact on one of the key mechanisms in the onset of heart attack: the inflammation and destabilization of atherosclerotic plaques. By measuring a variety of serum markers for inflammation in a genetically well-defined cohort, we aim to gain a detailed understanding of how DG031 works. With these data we believe we can design a highly sensitive information-rich Phase III trial for the prevention of heart attack that will require only a fraction of the number of participants that would be needed for a traditional trial." About deCODE genetics deCODE is using population genetics Population genetics The study of both experimental and theoretical consequences of mendelian heredity on the population level, in contradistinction to classical genetics which deals with the offspring of specified parents on the familial level. to create a new paradigm New Paradigm In the investing world, a totally new way of doing things that has a huge effect on business. Notes: The word "paradigm" is defined as a pattern or model, and it has been used in science to refer to a theoretical framework. for healthcare. With its uniquely comprehensive population data, deCODE is turning research on the genetic causes of common diseases into a growing range of products and services - in pharmaceuticals, gene and drug discovery, DNA-based diagnostics, pharmacogenomics, bioinformatics, and clinical trials. deCODE's pharmaceuticals group, based in Chicago, and deCODE's biostructures group, based in Seattle, conduct downstream development work on targets derived from deCODE's proprietary research in human genetics as well as contract service work for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. deCODE is delivering on the promise of the new genetics. For more information, visit http:/www.decode.is. |
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