DGAP-News: PAION AG / Key word(s): Research Update
PAION DEUTSCHLAND GMBH RECEIVES A GRANT WORTH EUR 0.7 MILLION FROM THE
FEDERAL MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND RESEARCH (BMBF) FOR RESEARCH INTO
THE POTENTIAL OF THROMBOMODULIN - MUTANTS
02.07.2012 / 07:30
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PAION DEUTSCHLAND GMBH RECEIVES A GRANT WORTH EUR 0.7 MILLION FROM THE
FEDERAL MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND RESEARCH (BMBF) FOR RESEARCH INTO THE
POTENTIAL OF THROMBOMODULIN - MUTANTS
- Funding of research, development of production and preclinical
development of the potential of novel thrombomodulin - mutants
- Lead identification until 2015
- Target indications: Haemophilia and other states of hyperfibrinolysis
- Funding Number: '031A102 - KMU - Innovativ 9: Herstellung, Analyse und
Eignung von TAFI optimierten Thrombomodulin - Analoga zum Einsatz in
der Hämophilie'
Aachen (Germany), 02 July 2012 - PAION AG (ISIN DE000A0B65S3; Frankfurt
Stock Exchange General Standard: PA8) today announced that the Federal
Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF) with the funding initiative
'KMU-INNOVATIV: Biotechnologie - BioChance' is subsidizing PAION
Deutschland GmbH for the production and preclinical development of novel
PAION thrombomodulin (Thbd) - mutants with EUR 0.7 million until end of
2014. The lead candidate may offer improved options for the treatment of
haemophilia and several acute disease states, which involve
hyperfibrinolysis. Currently PAION is testing its soluble Thbd, Solulin, in
a Phase Ib study in haemophilia patients.
Hyperfibrinolysis is a coagulation deficit that leads to unstable clots and
their premature dissolution. In patients suffering from Haemophilia, this
causes delayed or re-bleeding as the major complication. In the absence of
haemophilia, the same disorder can result in blood losses and a need for
blood transfusions, i.e. when patients are treated in the ICU after
surgery or severe trauma. Solulin and its mutants correct hyperfibrinolysis
via the so-called 'Thrombin Activatable Fibrinolysis Inhibitor' (TAFI)
pathway. The novelty of the approach lies in the anticipated specific TAFI
activation to mitigate or prevent coagulation failure.
The first step of the funded program is the production of several lead
molecules. It is aimed to identify one or more mutants, which then will be
qualified for clinical testing. Overall, a total budget of EUR 1.4 million
is estimated, of which 50% (EUR 0.7 million) are funded by the BMBF until
the end of the project end of 2014.
The early stage research into the potential of the Thbd-mutants is
independent of the ongoing Solulin Phase Ib trial for the treatment of
haemophilia. Initial results of this study are expected later this year.
Dr. Mariola Söhngen, PAION's Chief Medical Officer, comments: 'The funding
of this innovation by the BMBF allows us to exploit the gained know-how
with Solulin at a time of scarce funding. The Thbd-mutants have the
potential to resolve a medical problem (hyperfibrinolysis) with a new
mechanism that is derived from a human protein (Thbd). As this new
treatment addresses a medical problem in the ICU eventual drug candidates
also may have a prominent place in our emerging anaesthesia portfolio.'
###
About PAION
PAION is headquartered in Aachen, Germany and has a second site in
Cambridge, UK. The company is specialised in developing innovative drugs
for the hospital-based treatment in indications for which there is a
substantial unmet medical need. PAION is extending its 'Search & Develop'
business model, by transforming into a 'Specialty Pharma Company', with a
focus on anaesthesia products.
About KMU-innovative: Priority for Cutting-Edge Research in SMEs
BMBF has opened a number of its specialised programmes of research funding
especially for projects of cutting-edge research in SMEs. The industrial
research and pre-competitive development projects are funded to strengthen
the innovation capability of SMEs in Germany. The aim is to make research
funding as part of specialised programmes more attractive to SMEs. For more
information, visit: http://www.foerderinfo.bund.de/de/2248.php.
About Solulin
Solulin is an improved variant of the human protein Thrombomodulin, an
important natural regulator of numerous processes in the body including the
clotting system. Recent research has highlighted the anti-inflammatory
potential of Thrombomodulin/Solulin. Other than native Thrombomodulin,
which is anchored in the wall of blood vessels, Solulin is distributed by
the blood stream to reach its potential site of action. At low
concentrations, Solulin antagonizes premature dissolution of clots and
hence supports undisturbed coagulation.
Solulin has already been successfully tested in a Phase I study which
confirmed the excellent safety profile of the substance. Besides
haemophilia, the development of Solulin for the treatment of radiation
injury could be a suitable option.
Contact
Ralf Penner
Director Investor Relations / Public Relations
PAION AG
Martinstrasse 10-12
52062 Aachen - Germany
Phone: +49 241 4453-152
E-mail: r.penner@paion.com
www.paion.com
Disclaimer:
This release contains certain forward-looking statements concerning the
future business of PAION AG. These forward-looking statements contained
herein are based on the current expectations, estimates and projections of
PAION AG's management as of the date of this release. They are subject to a
number of assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties
and other factors. Should actual conditions differ from the Company's
assumptions, actual results and actions may differ materially from any
future results and developments expressed or implied by such
forward-looking statements. Considering the risks, uncertainties and other
factors involved, recipients should not rely unreasonably upon these
forward-looking statements. PAION AG has no obligation to periodically
update any such forward-looking statements to reflect future events or
developments.
postoperative blood losses and transfusion requirements in a number of
types of surgery, with potential cost and tolerability adva
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Language: English
Company: PAION AG
Martinstr. 10-12
52062 Aachen
Germany
Phone: +49 (0)241-4453-0
Fax: +49 (0)241-4453-100
E-mail: info@paion.com
Internet: www.paion.com
ISIN: DE000A0B65S3
WKN: A0B65S
Listed: Regulierter Markt in Frankfurt (General Standard);
Freiverkehr in Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, München,
Stuttgart
End of News DGAP News-Service
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176011 02.07.2012
DGAP-News: PAION DEUTSCHLAND GMBH RECEIVES A GRANT WORTH EUR 0.7 MILLION FROM THE FEDERAL MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND RESEARCH (BMBF) FOR RESEARCH INTO THE POTENTIAL OF THROMBOMODULIN - MUTANTS
| Source: EQS Group AG