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NexGenix Pharmaceuticals Presents Data on a Novel Small Molecule Inhibitor of Heat Shock Protein 90 (Hsp90) at the GTCbio Cancer Drugs Research & Development Conference

Posted on: Friday, 22 February 2008, 18:00 CST

NEW YORK, Feb. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- NexGenix Pharmaceuticals, presented data on its Hsp90 inhibitor program today at the GTCBio 5th Annual Cancer Drugs Research & Development Conference taking place in Phoenix, Arizona. The company presented data on NXD30001, one of several novel, radicicol-based Hsp90 inhibitors in its compound series.

NXD30001 demonstrated efficacy in breast cancer tumor xenograft models without evidence for liver and kidney toxicity. The potency, tolerability, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of NXD30001 and its derivatives indicate that it, or an analog, may be useful in the treatment of breast and other forms of cancer with an improved dosing and therapeutic window compared to 17AAG, the first-in-class Hsp90 inhibitor currently in Phase 2 clinical trials for cancer.

The compound series appears to bind Hsp90 in a different mode than 17AAG or radicicol and exhibit higher affinity to Hsp90 than radicicol. NXD30001 and its analogs efficiently inhibit cell proliferation and deplete multiple Hsp90 client proteins such as Her2, Akt, c-Raf, Cdk4, and Cyclin D1 in Her2- overexpressing breast and other cancer cell lines at low nanomolar concentrations. Pharmacokinetic studies demonstrate that NXD30001 can achieve potential therapeutic levels via intraperitoneal (i.p.) dosing and that the compound accumulates in tumors at above micromolar concentrations.

Tumor pharmacodynamic analysis demonstrated depletion of multiple Hsp90 client proteins, including Her2, after a single dose; these client proteins remained undetectable for more than 2 days, consistent with the pharmacokinetic tumor data.

"A number of analogs with activity similar to or better than NXD30001 have been synthesized and are being evaluated for oral bioavailability, tolerability, and efficacy," stated Allan Rubenstein, MD, CEO of NexGenix. "Our intent is to progress an i.v. formulation of NXD30001 into IND-enabling studies for breast cancer, and to develop an oral formulation from the series for neural tumors, such as those found in Neurofibromatosis Type 2, and for neurodegenerative disorders."

About NexGenix Pharmaceuticals

NexGenix Pharmaceuticals is a US-based biotechnology company developing a novel Hsp90 inhibitor series for cancer, neural tumors and neurodegenerative disorders. NexGenix has assembled a team of top scientific advisors in cancer research, Hsp90 inhibitors and medicinal chemistry. The company's lead Hsp90 compound, NXD30001, is in preclinical development for breast cancer.

For more information, please visit the NexGenix website at http://www.nexgenixpharm.com/. The information on our website does not, however, form a part of this press release.

This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

Certain information contained in this news release is forward-looking and is subject to unknown risks and uncertainties. The actual results, performance or achievements of the company may differ materially from the results, performance or achievements of the company expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

NexGenix Pharmaceuticals

CONTACT: Michelle Morin, Director of Corporate Development of NexGenixPharmaceuticals, +1-212-974-3006, mmorin@nexgenixpharm.com

Web site: http://www.nexgenixpharm.com/

Source: PRNewswire

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