New Thymoglobulin Data in More Than 30 Presentations Expected at the 2002 American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting.Business Editors/Medical Writers FREMONT, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 5, 2002 Presentations Highlight Thymoglobulin's Potential Role in Bone Marrow Transplantation Bone Marrow Transplantation Definition The bone marrow—the sponge-like tissue found in the center of certain bones—contains stem cells that are the precursors of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. SangStat (Nasdaq:SANG) expects new data on Thymoglobulin(R) (Anti-thymocyte Globulin, (Rabbit)) from more than 30 studies to be presented at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) annual meeting scheduled for December 6 - 10, 2002 in Philadelphia, PA. In the U.S., Thymoglobulin is currently indicated for the treatment of renal transplant renal transplant Transplantation of a kidney from a living donor or cadaver to a recipient with ESRD Indications–children Congenital kidney/GU tract malformations–42%; focal segmental glomerulosclerosis-12% and others; 31% of children were ≤ age 5 acute rejection, in conjunction with concomitant immunosuppression immunosuppression Suppression of immunity with drugs, usually to prevent rejection of an organ transplant. Its aim is to allow the recipient to accept the organ permanently with no unpleasant side effects. . "The presentations at this year's ASH demonstrate a growing interest in assessing Thymoglobulin's role in bone marrow transplantation," said Raymond J. Tesi, MD, Senior Vice President of Clinical Development and Medical Affairs. "Thymoglobulin is approved as a BMT BMT bone marrow transplantation. BMT, n.pr See bone marrow transplant. BMT Bone marrow transplant, see there conditioning agent in certain European countries where it enjoys considerable use. We believe that that experience may help fuel research interest in the US." The presentations at ASH this year focus on using Thymoglobulin as a conditioning agent to reduce acute graft versus host disease Graft versus host disease A life-threatening complication of bone marrow transplants in which the donated marrow causes an immune reaction against the recipient's body. Mentioned in: Bone Marrow Transplantation and mortality in bone marrow transplant bone marrow transplant: see bone marrow. (BMT) patients. Conditioning agents are used immediately prior to BMT. Today bone marrow transplantation is used frequently in patients with leukemia; however, new applications for BMT outside of leukemia are gaining in popularity. This year's ASH shows a broadening of potential uses for BMT in patients with severe sickle cell disease sickle cell disease or sickle cell anemia, inherited disorder of the blood in which the oxygen-carrying hemoglobin pigment in erythrocytes (red blood cells) is abnormal. and in 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 such as multiple sclerosis. The following is a selection of a few key anticipated presentations using Thymoglobulin:
Matched Unrelated Donor (MUD) BMT
Abstract #2515 --
Unrelated Donor Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation after
Administration of a Non-Myeloablative Conditioning Regimen of
Fludarabine, Rabbit Anti-Thymocyte Globulin (rATG), and Total
Body Irradiation (TBI).
Scott D. Rowley, Hackensack University Medical Center
Sunday, 12/8/02, 5:45 pm, Hall D, Poster Board #799
Abstract #2506 --
Pre-Emptive Treatment of Acute Graft Versus Host Disease in
Alternative Donor Transplants: A Randomized Trial of Day+7
Rabbit Anti-Thymocyte Globulin (ATG).
Andrea Bacigalupo, Ospedale San Martino, Genova Italy
Sunday, 12/8/02, 5:45 pm, Hall D, Poster Board #790
Abstract #798 --
Allogeneic Stem-Cell Transplantation for Chronic Lymphatic
Leukemia (CLL) with ATG-Containing Conditioning: Evidence for
Improved Survival and Preservation of Graft vs Leukemia
Effect.
Christian Fibich, Alberta Bone-Marrow Transplant Program,
University of Calgary, Canada
Tuesday, 12/10/02, 8:45am, Room 202, Oral
Matched Related Donor (MRD) BMT
Abstract #1663 -
Improved Survival in Adult Matched Sibling Stem Cell
Transplant (SCT) Recipients Given Pretransplant Low-Dose
Antithymocyte Globulin (ATG): A Matched Pair Analysis.
James A. Russell, Alberta Bone Marrow Transplant Program,
University of Calgary, Canada
Saturday, 12/07/02, 6:00 pm, Hall D, Poster Board #829
BMT for Severe Sickle Cell Disease
Abstract #4 --
Results of Myeloablative Allogenic Stem Cell Transplant (SCT)
for Severe Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) in France.
Francoise Bernaudin, SFGM-TC, France
Sunday, 12/08/02, 2:15 pm, Hall C, Oral
BMT for Autoimmune Disease
Abstract #3409 --
Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in
Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Clinical,
Instrumental Findings and Impact on Quality of Life.
Riccardo Saccardi, BMT Unit, Careggi Hospital, Firenze, Italy
Monday, 12/09/02, 5:15 pm, Hall D, Poster Board #829
Abstracts of these studies and others being presented at ASH 2002 can be found at http://www.hematology.org/meeting/abstracts.cfm. Thymoglobulin, which was introduced to the U.S. market in 1999, is a pasteurized pas·teur·ize tr.v. pas·teur·ized, pas·teur·iz·ing, pas·teur·iz·es To subject (a beverage or other food) to pasteurization. pas anti-thymocyte rabbit immunoglobulin. Common adverse reactions adverse reactions, n.pl unfavorable reactions resulting from administration of a local anesthetic; responsible factors include the drug used, concentration, and route of administration. , which are often transient, include fever, infections, and thrombocytopenia Thrombocytopenia Definition Thrombocytopenia is an abnormal drop in the number of blood cells involved in forming blood clots. These cells are called platelets. (an abnormal decrease in the number of blood platelets). Thymoglobulin is contraindicated in patients with known allergy to rabbit proteins, an acute viral illness, or a history of anaphylaxis anaphylaxis (ăn'əfəlăk`sĭs), hypersensitive state that may develop after introduction of a foreign protein or other antigen into the body tissues. (a severe allergic reaction allergic reaction n. A local or generalized reaction of an organism to internal or external contact with a specific allergen to which the organism has been previously sensitized. ) during rabbit immunoglobulin administration. Thymoglobulin should only be used by physicians experienced in immunosuppressive therapy Immunosuppressive therapy Medical treatment in which the immune system is purposefully thwarted. Such treatment is necessary, for example, to prevent organ rejection in transplant cases. in the management of renal transplant patients. SangStat SangStat is a global biotechnology company focused on immunology and working to discover, develop and market high value therapeutic products in the autoimmune, hematology/oncology and immunosuppression areas. SangStat's U.S. headquarters are in Fremont, California. SangStat also maintains a strong European presence, including direct sales and marketing forces in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK, and distributors throughout the rest of the world. SangStat's stock is traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol "SANG." The company's web site is located at www.sangstat.com. This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, expectations with respect to pending Thymoglobulin studies and abstracts, publications or presentations of study results. Forward-looking statements reflect SangStat's current views with respect to future events. Actual results may vary materially and adversely from those anticipated, believed, estimated, or otherwise indicated. Statements made in abstracts, publications or presentations represent the views of the authors and presenters and SangStat makes no representation regarding the accuracy or completeness thereof. For a discussion of these and other factors that might result in different outcomes, see "Risk Factors" in SangStat's 2001 Annual Report on Form 10-K Form 10-K A report required by the SEC from exchange-listed companies that provides for annual disclosure of certain financial information. Form 10-K See 10-K. , subsequent 2002 Form 10-Qs and other documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. SangStat assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements, risks or reasons why actual results might differ. |
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