RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., Sept. 22, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Icagen, Inc. (Nasdaq:ICGN) reported today, at the 15th International Inflammation Research Association Conference in Chantilly, Virginia, results from a preclinical study demonstrating effects of senicapoc in isolated human lung mast cells. Senicapoc, the Company's novel orally available small molecule inhibitor of the KCa3.1 potassium ion channel, was shown to potently block KCa3.1 potassium currents in isolated human lung mast cells and to reduce the migration of these cells when exposed to an inflammatory stimulus. The Company also presented additional results from a previously reported preclinical study that demonstrate the ability of senicapoc to reverse the antigen-induced increases in airway resistance and airway hyper-reactivity in a sheep model of asthma. These results were presented by Lee Robinette, Ph.D., Senior Research Investigator at Icagen.
"We are pleased to see the results in human lung mast cells as well as in the animal study, in which senicapoc was tested not only intravenously and by inhalation as reported previously, but also when given orally," said Dr. Robinette. "We appreciate the assistance of Peter Bradding, M.D., Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, UK and William Abraham, Ph.D., Mt. Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, Florida in the conduct of these studies."
Douglas Krafte, Ph.D., VP of Biology and Scientific Affairs at Icagen, stated, "Icagen is investigating various cell types which are keys to the complex pathophysiology of asthma. The literature supports the importance of various immune system and airway cells in the development of asthma. The potassium ion channel KCa3.1 is present in many of these cell types, including mast cells, as shown in these data. We look forward to continuing to explore the roles of this target and the potential of senicapoc in support of our clinical asthma program. For many patients, asthma is still inadequately controlled by currently available treatments. As such, senicapoc represents a potential new oral therapy with an innovative mechanistic approach for the treatment of this disease."
In controlled studies conducted in a sheep model of asthma, senicapoc demonstrated a statistically significant attenuation of the average late allergen responses (5-8 hours after allergen challenge). Statistically significant effects were observed by the oral, intravenous and inhalation routes of administration. Additionally, a statistically significant reduction in peak early airway responses (observed immediately after allergen challenge) were observed following intravenous administration of senicapoc dosed at 10 mg/kg IV. There was a 33% reduction in peak early response at the 30 mg/kg oral dose, although this effect was not statistically significant. Senicapoc also demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in the antigen-induced changes in airway hyper-reactivity by all three routes of administration.
About Senicapoc
Senicapoc is a potent and selective novel small molecule inhibitor of the potassium ion channel KCa3.1. This drug candidate is taken orally and is being developed for once-a-day dosing for the treatment of asthma. In July 2008, Icagen successfully completed a Phase I multiple ascending dose clinical trial of senicapoc. The company expects to initiate a Phase II proof-of-concept clinical trial in asthma during the fourth quarter of 2008.
About Asthma
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by excessive sensitivity of the lungs, or increased reaction of the airways, to various environmental stimuli or triggers. The inflammation results in narrowed, swollen airways, increased mucus, and frequently is accompanied by constriction of the smooth muscle in the airways, or bronchoconstriction, causing difficulty breathing and the familiar wheeze often associated with the disease. While asthma cannot be cured, most people with asthma can be treated so that they have few and infrequent symptoms and can live active lives. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, about 20 million people have been diagnosed with asthma in the United States, nearly 9 million of whom are children.
About Icagen
Icagen, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of novel orally-administered small molecule drugs that modulate ion channel targets. Utilizing its proprietary know-how and integrated scientific and drug development capabilities, Icagen has identified multiple drug candidates that modulate ion channels. The Company is conducting research and development activities, in some cases in collaboration with leading pharmaceutical companies, in a number of disease areas, including epilepsy, pain and inflammation. The Company has clinical stage programs in epilepsy and asthma.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. For this purpose, any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Without limiting the foregoing, the words "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "intends," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the expectations described in these forward-looking statements are set forth under the caption ''Risk Factors'' in the Company's most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed with the SEC on August 6, 2008. These risk factors include risks as to the Company's history of net losses and how long the Company will be able to operate on its existing capital resources; the Company's ability to raise additional funding; the Company's ability to maintain compliance with NASDAQ's continued listing requirements; whether the Company's product candidates will advance in the clinical trials process; the timing of such clinical trials; whether the results obtained in preliminary studies will be indicative of results obtained in clinical trials; whether the clinical trial results will warrant continued product development; whether and when, if at all, the Company's product candidates, including ICA-105665 and the Company's other lead compounds for epilepsy and neuropathic pain and senicapoc for asthma, will receive approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or equivalent regulatory agencies, and for which indications, and if such product candidates receive approval, whether such products will be successfully marketed; and the Company's dependence on third parties, including manufacturers, suppliers and collaborators. We disclaim any intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of this press release.