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CliniGenetics announces promising pre-clinical results for novel approach in vascular disease therapy
Nimoxine[TM] significantly reduces
the growth of atheroma plaque and cholesterol levels in mice, and slows down
weight gain
Nîmes (France), December 8, 2003
-- CliniGenetics, a biopharmaceutical company that identifies and develops new
targets and products for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, today
announces successful pre-clinical results for Nimoxine[TM], an optimized
molecule that fights atherothrombotic disease. Cholesterol levels in mice
treated with Nimoxine[TM] dropped immediately, atheroma plaque showed signs of
regression and weight gain slowed down. The pre-clinical trials were conducted
blindly by an independent laboratory, in accordance with Good Laboratory
Practice (GLP) standards.
Nimoxine[TM] belongs to a family
of molecules identified and optimized by CliniGenetics for their ability to
considerably reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels. This molecule can be
used to block the accumulation of lipids and macrophages that are central to
the growth of vascular lesions in atherothrombosis. Nimoxine[TM] is a novel
therapeutic approach to treating atherothrombotic disease, directly targeting
atheroma plaque to slow down its growth and avoid the complications linked to
it, including thrombosis and cerebrovascular attack.
CliniGenetics' novel approach means the company can stake out a prime position in a market dominated by two traditional therapeutic pathways: using statins or fibrates to reduce lipid levels in the early stages of atherosclerosis, or anti-thrombotic therapies (such as clopidogrel or aspirin) in the acute phase. By identifying a third pathway, 'stabilization therapy', to stabilize atheroma plaque, CliniGenetics aims to provide therapeutic solutions for patients who cannot tolerate existing therapies or for whom these treatments prove of limited efficacy. These patients number almost 20 million worldwide, and represent a market estimated to be worth USD 10 billion.
The success of these pre-clinical
trials represents a significant milestone for CliniGenetics. It provides an
excellent foundation for the next stages of company development and provides
complete validation of the company's innovation platform. The platform uses an
animal reference model (a miniature pig, whose physiology and metabolism are
similar to those of a human being) and a powerful bioinformatics tool to speed
up the innovation process. The success of Nimoxine[TM] at the pre-clinical
phase, less than two years after research began, is a clear illustration of
the power of CliniGenetics' approach.
CliniGenetics' innovation platform is built on fast, open architecture, and will facilitate the discovery of new products in the closely related areas of diabetes and obesity. Further products identified by CliniGenetics are undergoing pre-clinical trials and initial results are expected soon. "The excellent results obtained from these pre-clinical trials endorse our approach to finding valid treatments for atherothrombotic disease," said Dr. Gérard Marguerie, vice president and chief scientific officer of CliniGenetics. "CliniGenetics' global approach means we have not only made fast progress in this particular area, but we are also able to explore a number of different therapeutic pathways in other areas. Once we have chosen the most interesting therapeutic pathways, we can begin the process of selecting and optimizing particular molecules almost immediately, thanks to our unique, proprietary technology."
"The speed with which we
obtained results for Nimoxine[TM] supports our company growth strategy, a key
component of which is our ability to develop fast," added Falco.
"The success of these trials means we can look ahead to the next stage of
financing with confidence, whether this entails industrial partnerships or new
financial investments. It also gives CliniGenetics a very strong position in
the field of novel therapies for vascular disease."
About CliniGenetics (www.clinigenetics.com)
CliniGenetics SA is a
biopharmaceutical company that identifies and develops new pathways and
products for the treatment of vascular diseases, with a particular focus on
metabolic syndrome and its atherothrombotic complications. The company
develops its portfolio of therapeutics to stunt the growth of atherosclerotic
plaque. CliniGenetics has developed a complete R&D structure which has
enabled it to identify a number of therapeutic targets and is developing new
products for which proof of principle has been established.
For further information:
Keren Perrott, Andrew Lloyd &
Associates Ltd
+44 1273 675100
Andrew Lloyd, Andrew Lloyd &
Associates Ltd
+44 1273 675100
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