Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (NYSE:EBS) today announced that it presented
preclinical data on its lead bispecific ADAPTIRTM (Modular
Protein Technology) therapeutic, ES414, at the 5th Annual
Protein and Antibody Engineering Summit (PEGS) in Lisbon, Portugal. The
ES414 molecule was constructed using Emergent’s ADAPTIR technology
platform and is being developed as a potential therapeutic for
metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).
The presentation, “ADAPTIR Molecules: Unique Biology from a Flexible
Bispecific Platform,” shared results of preclinical studies
demonstrating ES414 is pharmacologically active and well tolerated.
Preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies have shown ES414
redirects T-cell cytotoxicity (RTCC) towards prostate cancer cells
expressing Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA), an antigen
commonly found on prostate cancer cells. The ES414 molecule selectively
binds and links the T cell receptor on cytotoxic T cells to the PSMA on
tumor cells, triggering tumor cell destruction.
“The encouraging ES414 preclinical data support our efforts to both
engage the scientific community and further generate partnering interest
in our biosciences programs,” said Barry Labinger, Emergent’s executive
vice president and biosciences division president. “We believe certain
features of ES414 including activity at very low doses, minimal cytokine
release on binding to target and T cells, and a long half-life, make it
a promising molecule for continued development. Additionally, the
company has a defined, scalable process for Phase 1 clinical
manufacturing of ES414 and is proceeding toward filing an
Investigational New Drug application.”
About Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men with approximately
230,000 new cases annually in the United States. Although screening,
radiation, surgery and hormone ablation therapy have greatly improved
the detection and treatment of early stage prostate cancer, few options
exist to treat metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.
About the ADAPTIR™ Platform
ADAPTIR bispecific proteins are modular, single chain polypeptides that
comprise two separate binding domains, a hinge segment, and an effector
domain (huFc). They have a differentiated structure from monoclonal
antibodies and can generate a unique signaling response. Some ADAPTIR
molecules, like ES414, may mediate T-cell cytotoxicity by redirecting T
cells against tumor cells. In addition, other ADAPTIR proteins may
mediate complement dependent cytotoxicity and Fc dependent cytotoxicity,
similar to monoclonal antibodies. ADAPTIR and any and all
Emergent BioSolutions Inc. brand, product, service and feature names,
logos, and slogans are trademarks or registered trademarks of Emergent
BioSolutions Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States or other
countries. All rights reserved.
About Emergent BioSolutions
Emergent BioSolutions is a specialty pharmaceutical company seeking to
protect and enhance life by offering specialized products to healthcare
providers and governments to address medical needs and emerging health
threats. Additional information may be found at www.emergentbiosolutions.com.
Follow us on twitter: @emergentbiosolu.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release includes forward-looking statements within the
meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any
statements, other than statements of historical fact, are
forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this press
release include statements about the potential and therapeutic
opportunity of the ES414 molecule. These forward-looking statements are
based on our current intentions, beliefs and expectations regarding
future events. We cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement
will be accurate. Investors should realize that if underlying
assumptions prove inaccurate or unknown risks or uncertainties
materialize, actual results could differ materially from our
expectations. Investors are, therefore, cautioned not to place undue
reliance on any forward-looking statement. Any forward-looking statement
speaks only as of the date of this press release, and, except as
required by law, we do not undertake to update any forward-looking
statement to reflect new information, events or circumstances.
There are a number of important factors that could cause the company’s
actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such
forward-looking statements, including the success of our ongoing and
planned preclinical studies and clinical trials; the rate and degree of
market acceptance and clinical utility of our products; the timing of
and our ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approvals for our
product candidates; and our commercialization, marketing and
manufacturing capabilities and strategy. The foregoing sets forth many,
but not all, of the factors that could cause actual results to differ
from our expectations in any forward-looking statement. Investors should
consider this cautionary statement, as well as the risk factors
identified in our periodic reports filed with the SEC, when evaluating
our forward-looking statements.
Copyright Business Wire 2013