Two Abstracts Selected for Oral Presentation
Three Posters to be Presented, Each on Different Examples of Applying the Network Biology Approach to Therapeutic Development
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., June 26, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq:MACK), a biopharmaceutical company with a pipeline of eight oncology therapeutics and multiple diagnostics, announced today that two oral presentations and three posters on its Network Biology approach to therapeutic development will be presented at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Special Conference "Chemical Systems Biology: Assembling and Interrogating Computational Models of the Cancer Cell by Chemical Perturbations" being held June 27 – 30, 2012, at the Marriott Copley Place in Boston, Mass.
Title: A Systems Biology Approach to Elucidating the Consequences of Complex Ternary Interactions of Herparin, FGF Ligands, and FGF Receptor on Downstream Signaling in NSCLC Cells |
Synopsis: These results highlight the role of the extracellular interactions between ligand, receptor, and heparin sulfate glycosaminoglycans (HSGAGs) in controlling downstream signaling and potentially physiological response. |
Presentation: |
Session 2: Signaling Pathways |
Date/Time: Thursday, June 28, 10:30am – 12:30pm |
Presenter: Diana H. Chai, Ph.D. |
Poster Session: |
Session: Signaling pathways |
Abstract Number: A5 |
Date/Time: Thursday, June 28, 1:30-3:30pm |
Title: Investigating Combinatorial Ligand Addiction Provides Insights into Rational Drug Combinations in Cancer Therapy |
Synopsis: This research demonstrates that combinatorial ligand addiction creates a new rationale for therapeutic combinations to improve efficacy and prevent resistance in cancer cells that are treated with current targeted drugs. |
Presentation: |
Session 7: Chemical Biology and Cancer |
Date/Time: Saturday, June 30, 8:00am – 10:00am |
Presenter: Emily A. Pace, Ph.D. |
Poster Session: |
Session: Chemical biology and cancer |
Abstract Number: A22 |
Date/Time: Thursday, June 28, 1:30-3:30pm |
Title: Sustained intratumoral activation of MM-398 results in superior activity over irinotecan demonstrated by using a systems pharmacology approach |
Synopsis: A systems pharmacology approach was used to show that liposomal encapsulation of irinotecan alters the pharmacokinetic profile of SN-38 in tumors and could potentially result in beneficial effects on treatment of pancreatic cancer and other solid tumors. |
Poster Session: |
Session: Signaling Pathways |
Abstract Number: A6 |
Date/Time: Thursday, June 28, 1:30-3:30pm |
About Merrimack
Merrimack is a biopharmaceutical company discovering, developing and preparing to commercialize innovative medicines paired with companion diagnostics for the treatment of serious diseases, with an initial focus on cancer. Merrimack applies Network Biology, its proprietary systems biology-based approach to biomedical research, throughout the research and development process. Merrimack currently has five targeted therapeutic oncology candidates in clinical development.
Forward-looking statements
Any statements in this press release about Merrimack's future expectations, plans and prospects constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. Merrimack anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause its views to change. However, while Merrimack may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, Merrimack specifically disclaims any obligation to do so.