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PanGenetics Receives Approval for Clinical Evaluation of Anti-NGF Antibody
in Patients with Chronic Pain
Utrecht, The Netherlands / Cambridge, UK - June 8, 2009:
PanGenetics B.V. announced today that the Competent Authority of the Netherlands
has approved the Clinical Trials Application for a first-in-man study with
antibody PG110. This humanized antibody is a member of the class of Nerve Growth
Factor (NGF) inhibitors which represent a promising novel approach in the
treatment of chronic pain. PG110 will be evaluated in patients suffering from
pain caused by osteoarthritis (OA). The clinical trial is designed as a double
blind, placebo controlled study and will be conducted in a single site in
Utrecht, the Netherlands, in collaboration with Kendle International.
The primary objective of the Phase I study is to evaluate the safety and
tolerability of single ascending doses of PG110. In addition, the dosing in
patients will allow the evaluation of pharmacodynamic and clinical parameters
which will provide further insight into the activity of PG110. The results of
the study, which includes an extended follow-up period, are expected in the
second half of 2010.
Kevin Johnson, CEO of PanGenetics, commented: “The class of NGF-inhibitors is
the first real break-through in pain therapy for decades. Preclinical studies of
PG110 demonstrated that it is a very potent and differentiated product in this
class. We are looking forward to starting clinical studies of PG110. This will
be our second clinical program initiation in the last 12 months and our
anti-CD40 antibody PG102 is progressing well in a phase 1 study in psoriatic
arthritis patients."
-ENDS-
Notes for editors
About PG110
PG110 is a humanised antibody that binds to Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) with high
affinity. NGF is the prototypical member of the family of neurotrophin growth
factors, which are involved in the growth and survival of nervous tissue. PG110
prevents the interaction of NGF with both its receptors, the high-affinity
receptor TrKA and the low affinity receptor p75. This interaction plays a key
role in pain transduction mechanisms in the adult peripheral nervous system.
PG110 does not cross-react with other neurotrophins and therefore is a highly
specific function-blocking molecule that is able to neutralise NGF bioactivity,
both in vitro and in vivo. The precursor to PG110 originated in Lay Line
Genomics and after the program was acquired by PanGenetics a comprehensive CMC
and preclinical development program was initiated.
About PanGenetics B.V.
PanGenetics is a clinical development company that specializes in taking
antibodies from the late research stage through to clinical proof of concept.
The company is based in Utrecht, the Netherlands and in Cambridge, UK.
PanGenetics employs a lean business model with manufacturing and clinical
development activities outsourced to specialist providers. The most advanced
programs of PanGenetics are PG102, a CD40 antagonist for treatment of autoimmune
diseases which is currently being evaluated in a clinical study in psoriatic
arthritis patients, and PG110, an anti-Nerve Growth Factor antibody for use in
chronic pain. The company's management, board and advisors comprise many of the
world’s leading antibody developers.
www.pangenetics.com
Contact: Dr. Arnoud Dijkstra
Tel. + 31 651 941 921
arnoud.dijkstra@pangenetics.com
College Hill: Sue Charles / Cosima Zerdik
Tel. +44 20 7866 7863
sue.charles@collegehill.com
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