TARRYTOWN, N.Y., June 10, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Progenics Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq:PGNX) today announced that it has reported findings from studies of two of its oncology product candidates at the 2013 Annual Meeting of the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) in Vancouver, Canada.
Data from studies of MIP-1095, a PSMA targeting small molecule radiotherapeutic, and 99mTc-MIP-1404, a PSMA targeted imaging agent, are featured in oral presentations. Both product candidates are recent additions to Progenics' expanded oncology pipeline following the company's acquisition of Molecular Insight Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Abstracts for these presentations are available on the Events section of Progenics' website:
Oral Presentation #119: Enhancement of prostate-targeted radiotherapy using [131I] MIP-1095 in combination with radiosensitizing chemotherapeutic drugs
Oral Presentation #281: PSMA targeted SPECT imaging biomarker to detect local and metastatic prostate cancer (PCa): Phase I studies with 99mTc-MIP-1404
Robert J. Israel, M.D., senior vice president of medical affairs and clinical research for Progenics, commented, "Ongoing studies of product candidates targeted to PSMA, an enzyme expressed on the neovasculature of almost all prostate cancer cells, potentially could lead to the development of highly specific prostate cancer imaging and treatment options. We are developing candidates that could improve outcomes for cancer patients, including the two candidates featured here at SNMMI in oral presentations as well as our phase 2-stage PSMA antibody-drug conjugate."
Additionally, Progenics is presenting details of its oncology pipeline at exhibit booth #142 at the Meeting.
About MIP-1095, a PSMA targeting small molecule radiotherapeutic
MIP-1095 is in preclinical development for the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer. The compound is radiolabeled with the therapeutic radionuclide, iodine-131, a beta-particle-emitting radionuclide capable of destroying tumor cells. The anticancer effect of 1095 relies on its ability to deliver lethal doses of radiation to prostate cancer cells while causing minimal damage to healthy surrounding tissue.
About 99mTc-MIP-1404, a PSMA targeted imaging compound
99mTc-MIP-1404 is a development stage radiopharmaceutical imaging agent that is designed to facilitate the visualization of subtle changes in biochemical and biological processes associated with disease progression. The expression of distinct proteins by diseased cells offers the opportunity to "visualize cancer", potentially allowing for improved detection and staging, more precise biopsies, and a targeted treatment plan including active surveillance as a disease management tool. 99mTc-MIP-1404 is now in a phase 2 international multicenter study.
About Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the second most common form of cancer affecting men in the United States: an estimated one in six will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime. The American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 240,000 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed and about 30,000 men will die of the disease this year. Approximately 2 million men in the U.S. currently count themselves among prostate cancer survivors.
About Progenics
Progenics Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is discovering and developing innovative medicines for oncology, with a pipeline that includes product candidates in preclinical through late-stage development. Its first commercial product, Relistor® (methylnaltrexone bromide) for opioid-induced constipation, is marketed and in further development by Salix Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. for markets worldwide other than Japan, where Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. is developing the subcutaneous formulation. For additional information, please visit www.progenics.com.
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