Novel Cyclosporine Analogs with Reduced Toxicity Data Presented by Enanta Pharmaceuticals at FOCIS 2003.Business Editors/Health/Medical Writers BIOWIRE2K WATERTOWN, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 19, 2003 Dr. Jens Eckstein to present "Novel Efficacious Cyclosporine cyclosporine /cy·clo·spor·ine/ (-spor´en) a cyclic peptide from an extract of soil fungi that selectively inhibits T cell function; used as an immunosuppressant to prevent rejection in organ transplant recipients and to treat severe 'Soft Drugs' with Reduced Toxicity" Poster at Annual Meeting Enanta Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (www.enanta.com), a chemistry-driven biopharmaceutical company, presented the latest data on the company's Cyclosporine program at the Third Annual Meeting of the Federation of Clinical Immunology Societies (FOCIS (Fiber-Optic Cable Intermatability Standard) Specifications for cable connectors from the TIA that define the requirements for interconnection between fiber-optic plugs and sockets. Following are some of the common FOCIS standards. 2003) in Paris, France, on Sunday, May 18, 2003. Dr. Jens Eckstein, Enanta's Director, Lead Discovery, presented new research on a novel class of cyclosporine analogs that were discovered at Enanta with improved toxicity profiles, and have potential for the improved treatment of diseases such as transplantation, psoriasis, and asthma. Dr. Eckstein's presentation is titled: "Novel Efficacious Cyclosporine 'Soft Drugs' with Reduced Toxicity." Dr. Eckstein's presentation will discuss Enanta's most recent cyclosporine research that includes the development of new cyclosporine analogs, EP-314 and EP-012637, which, when converted into non-toxic metabolites Metabolites Substances produced by metabolism or by a metabolic process. Mentioned in: Interactions , prove to be distinct from Cyclosporine A and its metabolites that have limited therapeutic potential due to kidney toxicity. In this particular study, Enanta's research showed that the altered biotransformation biotransformation /bio·trans·for·ma·tion/ (-trans?for-ma´shun) the series of chemical alterations of a compound (e.g., a drug) occurring within the body, as by enzymatic activity. of the compounds results in a significant reduction of kidney toxicity in rats, while maintaining efficacy. The cyclosporine analogs being developed by Enanta can be delivered either systemically or topically to the target organ target organ n. A tissue or organ that is affected by a specific hormone. target organ, n the organ or body part whose activity levels demonstrate change in the course of biofeedback. (lung, skin, colon), exert a strong local anti-inflammatory effect, and are inactivated inactivated rendered inactive; the activity is destroyed. inactivated viruses treated so that they are no longer able to produce evidence of growth or damaging effect on tissue. upon systemic absorption thus limiting their toxicity. "Enanta's cyclosporine program continues to produce data that supports the development of these novel Cyclosporine analogs for the treatment of transplantation and autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis. Since this research began in 2001, we have made considerable strides towards the development of compounds with significant therapeutic potential in the treatment of these diseases," said Dr. Eckstein. "Reducing the toxicity of immunosuppressive agents like cyclosporine would provide a significant advantage." Asthma patients may require an ongoing requirement for oral corticosteroids Corticosteroids Definition Corticosteroids are group of natural and synthetic analogues of the hormones secreted by the hypothalamic-anterior pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis, more commonly referred to as the pituitary gland. , as part of their therapeutic regimen, which may produce deleterious side effects (diabetes, hypertension and osteoporosis) to the prescribed corticosteroids. Enanta has identified this medical need and developed its cyclosporine program to reduce the need for corticosteroid corticosteroid /cor·ti·co·ster·oid/ (-ster´oid) any of the steroids elaborated by the adrenal cortex (excluding the sex hormones) or any synthetic equivalents; divided into two major groups, the glucocorticoids and use and improve asthma control. Cyclosporines are also currently used to treat severe psoriasis but their long-term use is limited by toxicity. Enanta's cyclosporine analogs are proven to be efficacious in psoriasis-related animal models when given systemically but exhibit significantly lower toxicity. "The data presented by Dr. Eckstein helps validate Enanta's cyclosporine research endeavor and allows the company to build upon earlier studies, which will lead the company towards addressing additional medical needs within other autoimmune diseases," said Spiros Jamas, President and 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 Enanta Pharmaceuticals. About FOCIS The Federation of Clinical Immunology Societies (FOCIS) provides a scientific forum to foster the cross-disciplinary approach required to understand and treat immune-based diseases as the discipline of clinical immunology evolves. The annual FOCIS meeting highlights the best science in the field of clinical immunology. About Enanta Headquartered in Watertown, Mass., Enanta Pharmaceuticals is using its cutting-edge chemistry technology and capabilities to create new intellectual properties by transforming existing drugs, natural products, and biologically active peptides into novel, small-molecule drugs. The Company is initially focusing on new chemical entities derived from existing drugs that address significant unmet medical needs: (a) new-generation macrolide antibiotics to overcome bacterial resistance; (b) anti-inflammatory drugs for a variety of indications, including asthma, psoriasis and inflammatory bowel diseases, and (c) novel antiviral agents targeted to the Hepatitis C virus
abbr. hepatitis C virus HCV 1 Hepatitis C virus, see there 2. Human coronavirus. See Coronavirus. ). |
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