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Atugen’s scientists demonstrated successful systemic delivery of proprietary siRNA molecules (AtuRNAi) for RNA interference in vivo and its therapeutic applications in oncology. 24 April, 2006 – London - SR Pharma plc (London LSE: SPA) subsidiary Atugen AG announces the publication of two key scientific articles on RNAi-based therapeutics in the journal Gene Therapy. Both articles cover the development and systemic application of Atugen’s siRNA-lipoplex (AtuPLEX) technology for enabling RNA interference (RNAi) in vivo. In the first article, Atugen’s scientists uncovered the requirement of siRNA formulation to allow functional cellular uptake and delivery in vivo after intravenous administration. For this purpose Atugen’s proprietary stabilized siRNAs (AtuRNAi) formulated with Atugen’s novel cationic lipid (AtuFECT) and other components of the AtuPLEX were employed in proof of concept studies to demonstrate and establish target specific and RNAi-mediated knockdown for loss of function analysis in vivo. Atugen verified the successful application of the AtuPLEX for inhibiting tumour growth and metastases using appropriate in vivo tumour models as shown in the second publication. Iain Ross, Executive Chairman of SR Pharma, stated “Functional delivery has finally been recognised as the key issue for future therapeutic applications of RNAi. We are very enthusiastic that Atugen’s scientists have successfully addressed and unravelled this scientific problem. The developed AtuPLEX has all required features to become a novel therapeutic modality for a wide range of human diseases”. The published data establish a significant advancement in the development of RNAi-based therapeutics towards future clinical applications. The following manuscripts are available ahead of print as advance online publication (AOP) at Gene Therapy www.nature.com/gt A. Santel, M. Aleku, O. Keil, J. Endruschat, V. Esche, G. Fisch, S. Dames, K. Löffler, M. Fechtner, W. Arnold, K. Giese, A. Klippel and J. Kaufmann (2006) A novel siRNA-lipoplex technology for RNA interference in the mouse vascular endothelium. Gene Therapy, advance online publication, April 20, 2006; doi:10.1038/sj.gt.3302777 A. Santel, M. Aleku, O. Keil, J. Endruschat, V. Esche, B. Durieux, K. Löffler, M. Fechtner, T. Röhl, G. Fisch, S. Dames, W. Arnold, K. Giese, A. Klippel and J. Kaufmann (2006) RNA interference in the mouse vascular endothelium by systemic administration of siRNA-lipoplexes for cancer therapy. Gene Therapy, advance online publication, April 20, 2006; doi:10.1038/sj.gt.3302778 About SR Pharma ( www.srpharma.com ) SR Pharma plc is a European biopharmaceutical company, listed on AIM. The Company has two operating subsidiaries Atugen AG (www.atugen.com) based in Berlin, Germany and Stanford Rook Ltd based in London, UK. Atugen is a leader in RNAi therapeutics. This Company has developed novel, chemically modified proprietary siRNA molecules ("AtuRNAi") and a proprietary delivery system ("AtuPLEX") both of which have advantages over conventional siRNA molecules and their delivery. Currently Atugen and its collaboration partners have lead molecules in pre-clinical development for a variety of therapeutic indications. Clinical development of an AtuRNAi therapeutic molecule is targeted to start in 2006 for a local/topical formulation and in 2007 with a systemic formulation in advanced cancer. Stanford Rook Ltd is an immunotherapy based company which owns a proprietary Mycobacterium vaccae-based technology and related products, which have been evaluated in clinical trials for the treatment of asthma, cancer and tuberculosis. In addition this Company has a number of other proprietary immunotherapeutic compounds and related intellectual property. Currently the Company is in discussions with third parties regarding the co-development and out-licensing of M. vaccae and related products. Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes forward-looking statements that are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors. These risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from those referred to in the forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to SR Pharma and SR Pharma assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Enquiries: For further information, please contact the following:
RNA interference (RNAi) has been hailed as the greatest medical advanced since antibiotics with the potential to effectively cut out genes responsible for diseases such as cancer. SR Pharma, one of the key players in the development of RNAi technology has published research outlining the most recent developments with the technology. Scientists at the company have successfully administered an RNAi formulation to successfully reduce tumour growth and spread. |
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