Sunday November 08 2009 | Biotechnology feed | All feeds
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Sunday November 08 2009 | Biotechnology feed | All feeds
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Endostatin as a lead anti-angiogenic treatment Basic research efforts focussing on angiogenesis as a target for cancer therapeutics have yet to bear fruit. Of the 58 molecules in development, 46 are still at preclinical stages. One of the most advanced class of angiogenesis related therapies is endostatin. Endostatin was originally identified in 1997, and has been described as a 20 kDa C-terminal fragment of collagen XVIII produced following cathepsin L mediated cleavage. Endostatin induces endothelial apoptosis and inhibits endothelial migration. As a result endostatin potently inhibits angiogenesis inducing tumor dormancy with little sign of drug resistance. More recently endostatin has been shown to block MMP2 activity and this is likely to contribute to it's ability to reduce metastatic spread. Endostatin appears to be therapeutically active in a number of tumors including non-small cell lung cancer. Lung cancer was the most common cause of cancer related death between 1970 and 1994 being responsible for almost 2.5 million deaths in white Americans alone. The predominant form of lung cancer, non-small cell lung cancer is generally considered to have few satisfactory treatment strategies and the observation that human endostatin significantly delays tumor growth and extended survival in animal models is therefore encouraging. Phase I study of endostatin in a cohort of patients including lung cancer sufferers have been successfully concluded. Phase II efficacy studies of endostatin as well phase I trials of gene transfer protocols, which were effective in mice are thus eagerly awaited. Likewise the development of small molecule mimics of endostatin should also be of interest. Although endostatin studies have largely been targeted towards cancer, endostatin has also been shown to reduce plaque formation in models of atherosclerosis broadening it's therapeutic scope. Projects such as these are overviewed in full DiscoveryDossiers. DiscoveryDossiers ~ TherapeuticsAdvances ~ PharmaceuticalSolutions ~ LeadDiscovery ~ Purchase DiscoveryDossiersLeadDiscovery and BioPortfolio aims to provide reliable, insightful analysis on the biotechnology industry. However, this information is provided "as is" and no representations or warranties either express or implied of completeness, accuracy, or of any other nature are made with respect to this information. This information is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation to buy the securities of any company. This information contains forward-looking statements, which involve risks and uncertainties which may not be listed. The biotechnology industry is an emerging industry and the securities of the companies mentioned in this report have a very high degree of risk and volatility. For this reason, this information is supplied on the condition that the reader will make his or her own determination as to its suitability for any purpose prior to any use of this information. The employees and officers of LeadDiscovery and BioPortfolio may hold positions in some or all of the stocks discussed in this report. This abstract has been produced by LeadDiscovery Ltd. Founded by life scientists for life scientists we aim to help industry identify cutting edge drug discovery options and academic/biotech institutions maximize the potential of their research. Abstracts strictly reflect the opinion of LeadDiscovery's editorial panel. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure the accuracy of information provided LeadDiscovery and the publisher BioPortfolio, takes no responsibility for incorrect or misleading information. LeadDiscovery is designed for educational and drug development purposes only and is not intended or designed to offer medical advice or advice of any sort, and must not be used for such purpose. The information provided through LeadDiscovery and BioPortfolio should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease and no reliance should be placed on any information contained in this abstract or elsewhere on LeadDiscovery's and BioPortfolio's website. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult your physician or other health care provider.
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