DGAP-News: PAION AG / Key word(s): Research Update
PAION AG: PRECLINICAL EFFICACY OF SOLULIN IN RADIATION INJURY
CONFIRMED IN US/GERMAN RESEARCH COLLABORATION AND PUBLISHED IN 'NATURE
MEDICINE'
09.07.2012 / 07:30
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PRECLINICAL EFFICACY OF SOLULIN IN RADIATION INJURY CONFIRMED IN US/GERMAN
RESEARCH COLLABORATION AND PUBLISHED IN 'NATURE MEDICINE'
- Identification of a new target in treatment and prevention of radiation
injury in a multi-site collaboration
- Results of preclinical studies with Solulin indicate an accelerated
recovery of blood progenitor cells in the bone marrow, resulting in
improved survival
- Publication in the July edition of the renowned science journal,
'Nature Medicine'
Aachen (Germany), 09 July 2012 - PAION AG (ISIN DE000A0B65S3; Frankfurt
Stock Exchange General Standard: PA8) today announced that the renowned
American science journal, 'Nature Medicine' has published results of
preclinical studies on treatment of radiation injury, in which also PAION's
product, Solulin, has been successfully put to use.
In this multi-site project, investigators of eight universities and
research institutions in the United States and Germany, including PAION
Deutschland GmbH, have joined forces.
The results show that protection of the cells engaged in blood production
against otherwise lethal levels of radiation can be achieved by using
certain proteins endogenous to the body. In mice, who had received whole
body radiation at lethal levels, such treatment effected a substantial
acceleration of recovery of blood progenitor cells in the bone marrow. This
also explains an impressive improvement of survival rates, even when
treatment was given later than radiation.
According to the scientists, these results open new avenues towards
treatment of toxic effects of radiation, as may be encountered in cancer
treatment or after accidents in nuclear power plants.
'Our study identifies a target-specific intervention that protects the
hematopoietic system against radiation toxicity, which largely is an unmet
challenge,' the scientists explained. 'Current treatments for radiation
injury, such as blood transfusions or certain growth factors, do not meet
this requirement.'
Protection was achieved using the proteins Thrombomodulin and Activated
Protein C, which are endogenous to the body and known to be involved in a
number of regulatory actions in a sequential way. Here they proved to
provide important signals in production and function of blood forming
cells. The form of Thrombomodulin used in these studies was Solulin, a
recombinant protein, which is being developed by PAION for treatment of
haemophilia and is currently being tested in a Phase Ib study. Solulin is a
variant of the natural version, Thrombomodulin. Thanks to a specific
mutation, Solulin possesses improved resistance against loss of potency by
radiation versus the naturally occurring thrombomodulin. This also opens
the option of a prophylactic treatment, for example in cancer therapy.
Dr. Mariola Söhngen, PAION's Chief Medical Officer, comments: 'The results
of this collaborative study confirm the wide therapeutic potential of
Solulin. To PAION, the publication in Nature Medicine means an important
scientific recognition and encouragement to further develop Solulin for
treatment of radiation injury. To move the clinical development of Solulin
in this important field forward, PAION is seeking further financial support
after completion of the on-going clinical study in haemophilia.'
###
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 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 antiinflammatory
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.
Solulin is currently tested in a Phase Ib trial for the treatment of
haemophilia. Initial results of this study are expected later this year.
Link to the abstract in nature medicine can be found at:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22729286
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.
End of Corporate News
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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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176833 09.07.2012
DGAP-News: PAION AG: PRECLINICAL EFFICACY OF SOLULIN IN RADIATION INJURY CONFIRMED IN US/GERMAN RESEARCH COLLABORATION AND PUBLISHED IN 'NATURE MEDICINE'
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