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Neoprobe Provides Clinical Research Update for Lymphoseek; Abstracts Presented at World Sentinel Node Congress Meeting

Posted on: Tuesday, 7 December 2004, 12:00 CST

Neoprobe Corporation (OTCBB:NEOP), a diversified developer of innovative oncology and cardiovascular surgical and diagnostic products, today announced that researchers reported clinical and preclinical results for Lymphoseek(TM) at the 4th Biennial World Sentinel Node Congress meeting held in Los Angeles December 4 - 6, 2004. Lymphoseek is intended to be used in sentinel node biopsy procedures for the detection of potentially cancerous lymph nodes for a variety of tumor types. One of the presentations summarized the clinical studies that have been completed to date in breast and melanoma cancer patients. The reported clinical results demonstrate that Lymphoseek accurately identified lymphatic tissue in all of the patients treated to date in these tumor types. In addition, the presentation provided the first interim data from a randomized trial conducted in breast cancer patients showing improved clearance time over the currently used agent, Tc99m sulfur colloid. Finally, results from preclinical studies of Lymphoseek were presented that support the near-term initiation of the clinical evaluation of Lymphoseek in prostate, gastric and colon cancers.

The results showing more rapid clearance time over the currently used agent relate to patients who were injected 18 - 24 hours prior to surgery with Lymphoseek or Tc99m sulfur colloid. In the results presented, Lymphoseek demonstrated more rapid clearance due to a shorter demonstrated compound half life (1.2 hours) versus that of Tc99m sulfur colloid (15 hours). More rapid clearance time is important in that it can minimize or eliminate confusing background radiation readings in a sentinel node biopsy procedure where the sentinel node is very close to the tumor site. In addition to demonstrating an improved clearance time, Lymphoseek did not have any lymph node tissue uptake other than the first lymph node that was detected. The preclinical study demonstrated the ability of Lymphoseek to identify lymphatic tissue draining from prostate and gastric tumors using a laparoscopic gamma detection probe.

Dr. Richard Orahood, Neoprobe's Medical Director, said, "the clinical and preclinical results that were presented at the 4th Biennial World Sentinel Node Congress meeting demonstrate the clear clinical benefits of Lymphoseek. We believe the clearance properties of Lymphoseek will permit the consistent identification of lymphatic tissue, enhancing lymphatic mapping beyond breast and melanoma cancers. The results are consistent with our plans to begin multi-center studies of Lymphoseek early next year."

About Neoprobe

Neoprobe develops and provides innovative surgical and diagnostic products that enhance patient care by meeting the critical decision making needs of healthcare professionals. Neoprobe currently markets the neo2000(R) line of gamma detection systems that are widely used by cancer surgeons for intraoperative lymphatic mapping. Neoprobe is also in the process of commercializing the Quantix(R) line of blood flow measurement products developed by its subsidiary, Cardiosonix Ltd., that are designed to be used by cardiovascular surgeons, neurosurgeons and critical care physicians. In addition, Neoprobe holds significant interests in the development of related biomedical systems and agents including Lymphoseek(TM) and RIGScan(R) CR. Lymphoseek is an investigational drug being developed as a lymphatic tracing agent in conjunction with the University of California, San Diego. The RIGS(R) system is an investigational technology that combines the Company's gamma detection device technology with a proprietary disease-specific radiolabeled cancer targeting agent, and a patented surgical method to get real-time information to locate tumor deposits that may not be detectable by conventional methods. Before surgery, a cancer patient is injected with one of the targeting agents, which circulates throughout the patient's body and binds specifically to cancer cell antigens or receptors. Concentrations of the targeting agent are then located during surgery by the company's gamma-detection instrument, which emits an audible tone to direct the surgeon to targeted tissue. The Company's strategy is to deliver superior growth and shareholder return by maximizing its strong position in gamma detection technologies and diversifying into new, synergistic biomedical markets through continued investment and selective acquisitions.

Statements in this news release, which relate to other than strictly historical facts, such as statements about the Company's plans and strategies, expectations for future financial performance, new and existing products and technologies, and markets for the Company's products, are forward-looking statements. The words "believe,""expect,""anticipate,""estimate,""project," and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements that speak only as of the date hereof. Investors are cautioned that such statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical or anticipated results due to many factors including, but not limited to, the Company's continuing operating losses, uncertainty of market acceptance of its product, reliance on third party manufacturers, accumulated deficit, future capital needs, uncertainty of capital funding, dependence on limited product line and distribution channels, competition, limited marketing and manufacturing experience, risks of development of new products, regulatory risks and other risks detailed in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-KSB and other Securities and Exchange Commission filings. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.

Source: Business Wire

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