MethylGene Discloses Cancer-Causing HDAC Isoform at the 2004 AACR.Business Editors BIOWIRE2K AACR AACR American Association for Cancer Research AACR Anglo-American Cataloging Rules AACR Australasian Association of Cancer Registries AACR African Armed Conflicts Resolved 2004 MONTREAL--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 30, 2004 MethylGene Inc. presents a poster describing the key role of histone deacetylase Histone deacetylases (HDAC) (EC number 3.5.1) are a class of enzymes that remove acetyl groups from an ε-N-acetyl lysine amino acid on a histone. Its action is opposite to that of histone acetyltransferase. 1 (HDAC HDAC Histone Deacetylase (biochemistry) HDAC Heavy Duty Air Cylinder 1) in oncology at the 2004 AACR 95th Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida, March 27-31, 2004 (Abstract #LB-105). HDAC inhibitors are emerging as a new strategy to fight human cancers. MethylGene describes its scientific work in understanding the biological role of HDACs in cancer and in designing small molecule isotype selective HDAC inhibitors. Using functional genomics and isotypic pharmacology, MethylGene has identified cancer-causing HDAC isoforms. In a poster titled: "Cellular functions of HDAC1 in human cancer cells revealed by using isotype-specific antisense antisense, DNA or RNA manipulated in a laboratory so that its components (nucleotides) form a complementary copy of normal, or "sense," messenger RNA (mRNA; see nucleic acid). and small molecule inhibitors," the Company describes how specific inhibition of HDAC1 leads to growth arrest and apoptosis in human cancer cells but not in normal cells. "Understanding the role of cancer-causing HDAC isoforms was our first step in designing novel HDAC inhibitors," said Dr. Jeffrey Besterman, Senior Vice President, Research and Development at MethylGene. This work and previous work demonstrate that inhibition of HDAC cancer isoforms results in inhibition of cancer cell proliferation, induction of cell cycle arrest, induction of cancer cell apoptosis and induction of tumor suppressor genes tumor suppressor gene n. A gene that suppresses cellular proliferation. When inherited in a mutated state, it is associated with the development of various cancers, including most familial cancers. Also called antioncogene. . MethylGene believes that specific inhibition of HDAC isoforms for cancer may result in compounds with a wider therapeutic window. MethylGene's proprietary HDAC compounds, which were rationally designed, such as MGCD MGCD Maximum Gapless Coverage Distance 0103, inhibit a specific subset of oncology relevant HDAC isoforms and have 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. and in vivo in vivo /in vi·vo/ (ve´vo) [L.] within the living body. in vi·vo adj. Within a living organism. in vivo adv. (in animal models) profiles that appear to be different from many of the known competitor compounds. In preclinical studies preclinical studies, n.pl a term used to describe research done before a clinical study. May be laboratory or epidemiologic research. , MGCD0103 displayed a number of desirable characteristics which include good potency, in vivo tumor inhibition in a variety of tumor models and synergy with certain marketed chemotherapeutics in combination studies. About MethylGene MethylGene is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of novel therapeutics for the global pharmaceutical market. The company's initial therapeutic focus is in cancer and infectious diseases. MG98, the Company's most advanced anticancer product candidate, is in human clinical trials and partnered with MGI MGI Mouse Genome Informatics MGI Modular Gateway Interface MGI McKinsey Global Institute MGI Military Geographic Information MGI Marine Geological Institute MGI Policy on the Management of Government Information (Canada) PHARMA for North American North American named after North America. North American blastomycosis see North American blastomycosis. North American cattle tick see boophilusannulatus. rights. The second oncology product candidate, MGCD0103, is a rationally-designed, isotype-selective, orally-active small molecule HDAC inhibitor. Clinical trials in the U.S. and Canada are expected to commence during Q2 2004. MGCD0103 and next-generation candidates are licensed to Taiho Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., a leading Japanese oncology pharmaceutical company, for Japan, Korea, Taiwan and China in a deal worth up to US$37.5 million. In addition, MethylGene has a preclinical small molecule inhibitor program against bacterial beta-lactamases which is partnered with Merck for worldwide rights in a deal worth up to US$33.75 million. In addition, MethylGene has a portfolio of other chemistry-driven research programs including HDAC inhibitors for non-oncology indications and two small molecule kinase programs for oncology. For more information about MethylGene, please visit www.methylgene.com. This press release may contain forward-looking statements pertaining to MethylGene Inc. Such statements are subject to certain risk factors and uncertainties, particularly those inherent in the process of discovering, researching, developing and commercializing drugs that can be proven to be safe and effective for use as human therapeutics and the endeavor of building a business around such potential products. As a result, the reader is cautioned that actual results could differ materially from those projected or assumed around this release. |
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