NEW YORK and BASEL, Switzerland, Sept. 27, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lonza announced today that Intellect Neurosciences, Inc. (OTCBB:ILNS) awarded the future development and manufacture of the antibody drug conjugate CONJUMAB-A to Lonza, subject to completion of a definitive development and manufacturing agreement. Lonza will supply the preclinical study material for the drug optimization and drug selection for Intellect's CONJUMAB-A, initially focusing on age-related macular degeneration (AMD) with potential applications for Alzheimer's disease. Intellect Neurosciences is a biopharmaceutical company engaged in the discovery and development of disease-modifying therapeutic agents for the treatment of proteinopathies.
The new program is expected to include in vitro and in vivo studies to evaluate both therapeutic and prophylactic potential in AMD testing different chemical variants manufactured by Lonza. Intellect also plans to work with a number of independent specialized contract research organizations to evaluate the compounds produced by Lonza Chemical Manufacturing in Visp, Switzerland. Intellect's program is led by Dan Shochat, Ph.D., Intellect Neurosciences' Consulting Vice President of Development and a pioneer in the development of antibody drug conjugates for cancer treatments.
"CONJUMAB-A is a first-in-class drug compound intended to address an important unmet need in AMD, which is the leading cause of blindness in people over the age of 55. We anticipate improved efficacy compared to naked amyloid beta antibodies currently in clinical development for AMD. The selection of Lonza as our manufacturer, just under a year since we introduced the platform, represents an important next step in the evolution of Intellect Neurosciences, and we are very proud to be working with such a high caliber team at Lonza," said Dr. Daniel Chain, Chairman and CEO. "Based on recent discussions with global pharmaceutical companies that have expressed interest in the program, we see this program as a near-term opportunity for potential partnering for Intellect."
"Lonza looks forward to collaborating with Intellect Neurosciences on its CONJUMAB-A program," said Stefan Stoffel, Head of Lonza Chemical Manufacturing. "We have already generated a detailed road map for the optimization and manufacture of CONJUMAB-A, and are excited to be associated with this entirely novel and promising application for antibody-drug conjugates."
About CONJUMAB-A
CONJUMAB-A (also known as IN-NO1-OX2), is an antibody drug conjugate, targeting age- related macular degeneration and Alzheimer's disease. The CONJUMAB platform empowers monoclonal antibodies targeting amyloidogenic proteins with additional neuroprotective properties by combining them chemically with a small molecule such as an antioxidant. CONJUMAB-A, the first compound from this platform, is a monoclonal antibody specific for beta amyloid conjugated to melatonin which is a recognized as a potent antioxidant. Beta amyloid, when it accumulates in the retina of the eye, causes damage by oxidative stress. The conjugate is anticipated to increase the therapeutic window for melatonin to protect retinal epithelial cells, promote clearance of beta-amyloid away from sites of damage and limit potential off-target side-effects. CONJUMAB-A may also have potential applications for diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, traumatic brain injury, and Alzheimer's disease.
About Intellect Neurosciences, Inc.
Intellect Neurosciences, Inc. develops innovative approaches aimed at arresting or preventing Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative diseases, with a specific focus on proteinopathies. Intellect's pipeline includes therapeutic vaccines, antibodies and neuroprotective antibody drug conjugates.
For more information please visit www.intellectns.com
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About Lonza
Lonza is one of the world's leading suppliers to the pharmaceutical, healthcare and life science industries. Products and services span its customers' needs from research to final product manufacture. It is the global leader in the production and support of chemical and biological active pharmaceutical ingredients. Biopharmaceuticals are one of the key growth drivers of the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Lonza has strong capabilities in large and small molecules, peptides, amino acids and niche bioproducts, which play an important role in the development of novel medicines and healthcare products. Lonza is also the world leader in microbial control providing innovative, chemistry-based and related solutions to destroy or to selectively inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms. Its activities encompass the areas of water treatment, personal care, health and hygiene, industrial preservation, materials protection, and wood treatment. In addition, Lonza is a leader in cell-based research, endotoxin detection and cell therapy manufacturing. Furthermore, the company is a leading provider of value chemical and biotech ingredients to the nutrition and agro markets.
Lonza is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland and is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange and secondary listed on the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited ("SGX-ST"). Lonza is not subject to the SGX-ST's continuing listing requirements. Lonza is subject to the listing rules of the SIX Swiss Exchange, which do not have specific requirements equivalent to the listing rules of the SGX-ST in respect of interested person transactions, acquisition and realizations, and delisting. In 2011, the company had sales of CHF 2.69 billion. Further information can be found at www.lonza.com.