• E-mail
• Print
• Comment
• Font Size
• Digg
• del.icio.us
• Discuss article

Thallion's TLN-4601 Inhibits Mutated K-Ras Signaling in Cancer Cells

Posted on: Friday, 24 October 2008, 09:00 CDT

Thallion Pharmaceuticals Inc. (TSX: TLN) today announced that data presented by collaborators demonstrated TLN-4601 inhibits proliferation and signaling of mutated K-Ras expressing cancer cells. The research was conducted in the laboratories of Drs. Channing J. Der and Adrienne D. Cox, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and presented today at the 20th EORTC-NCI-AACR Symposium on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics in Geneva, Switzerland.

"These results demonstrate that TLN-4601 inhibits the growth of mutated K-Ras expressing cancer cells," said Lloyd M. Segal, Chief Executive Officer of Thallion. "A targeted cancer therapy that impacts K-Ras would address a significant gap in the cancer therapeutic landscape. Several successful commercial cancer therapies that target the Ras/MAPK signaling pathway have yet to prove a benefit in cancers expressing mutated K-Ras, like pancreatic cancer. In addition to our ongoing clinical work, we intend to continue supporting research to further define the mechanism of action of TLN-4601 in multiple tumor types."

The data show that TLN-4601 reduces the proliferation of K-Ras-transformed human pancreatic duct-derived cells. The results also demonstrate that TLN-4601 inhibits the growth of wild-type and KRAS-mutated pancreatic carcinoma cell lines and modulates downstream signaling events subsequent to Ras activation in a dose-dependent manner.

Mutated K-Ras is associated with 90 percent of pancreatic cancers, as well as being highly expressed in other cancers such as non-small cell lung cancer and colorectal cancer. Ras pathway inhibitors are a growing class of cancer therapeutics, however current therapies are not effective in patients with mutated K-Ras and there is a need to address this large patient population. For patients with pancreatic cancer, only limited treatment options exist providing modest benefit to them.

Thallion is currently enrolling patients in a Phase II clinical trial evaluating TLN-4601 as a monotherapy treatment for glioblastoma multiforme (brain tumor) patients. The Company expects interim results in the first quarter of calendar 2009. Full results from the study are expected in the second half of 2009.

The poster, presented at the EORTC-NCI-AACR Symposium, titled Biological and Biochemical Activity of TLN-4601 in Pancreatic Cancer is available on Thallion's website at www.thallion.com.

About TLN-4601

TLN-4601, formerly referred to as ECO-4601, is a novel small molecule derived from a nonpathogenic microorganism. It has demonstrated broad in vitro cytotoxic activity across a diverse panel of tumour cell lines and in vivo efficacy in a number of xenograft tumour models. Preclinical data suggest that TLN-4601 is a targeted anti-cancer agent that inhibits the Ras/MAPK pathway and binds the PBR (peripheral benzodiazepine receptor), a receptor highly overexpressed in a number of different tumours. TLN-4601 was discovered using DECIPHER(R), Thallion's proprietary genomics-based drug discovery platform.

About Thallion Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Thallion Pharmaceuticals Inc. (TSX: TLN) is a biotechnology company developing pharmaceutical products in the areas of oncology and infectious disease. Thallion has three clinical programs at a Phase II, or later, stage of development. Two late stage Phase II oncology trials which include: TLN-4601, a novel anti-cancer therapy derived from a nonpathogenic microorganism and TLN-232, a targeted therapy with potential efficacy in multiple oncology indications. The Company's third product candidate, Shigamabs(R), is a dual antibody product for the treatment of Shigatoxin-producing E. coli bacterial infections. Additional information about the Company can be obtained at www.thallion.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements containing the words "believe", "may", "plan", "will", "estimate", "continue", "anticipate", "intend", "expect" and other similar expressions which constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements reflect the Company's current expectation and assumptions, and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, changing market conditions, the successful and timely completion of clinical studies, the establishment of corporate alliances, the impact of competitive products and pricing, new product development, uncertainties related to the regulatory approval process and other risks detailed from time-to-time in the Company's ongoing filings with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities which filings can be found at www.sedar.com. Given these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements either as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable Canadian securities laws.

 Contacts: Thallion Pharmaceuticals Inc. Michael Singer Chief Financial Officer 514-940-3600 514-228-3622 (FAX) info@thallion.comwww.thallion.com  The Equicom Group Inc. Ross Marshall Investor Relations 416-815-0700 (Ext. 238) 416-815-0080 (FAX) rmarshall@equicomgroup.com

SOURCE: Thallion Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Source: MARKET WIRE

More News in this Category