PharmaMar Presents Pharmacogenomic Data on Yondelis(R) at CTOS
Boca Raton, Florida, November 22 (ots/PRNewswire)
PharmaMar announces the presentation of data from two research projects at the 11th Annual CTOS (Connective Tissue Oncology Society) Meeting, which took place in Florida, USA, from November 19-21, 2005.
The first presentation highlighted data from a retrospective study conducted in tumour samples from patients of soft tissue sarcoma treated with Yondelis(R) in Europe, while the second presentation examined the results of a preclinical study of Yondelis in cell lines explanted from chemo-naïve patients.
Yondelis(R) - two oral presentations
1. "A deficient homologous recombination DNA repair appears to cluster sarcoma patients sensitive to Yondelis(R) (ET-743, trabectedin)" was a retrospective study conducted in tumour samples from patients with sarcoma treated with Yondelis in Europe that seeks to provide a greater understanding of sensitivity/resistance to Yondelis by examining the molecular signature of the tumours. The results indicate that patients with a defined pattern of tumour DNA repair efficiency have a higher probability of better survival. They are expected to have a major impact on the optimisation of Yondelis in studies in solid tumours that are sensitive to Yondelis.
2. "Mutated P53 correlates with extreme sensitivity to Yondelis(R) in low passaged cell lines explanted from chemonaïve sarcoma patients" showed molecular evidence that correlates extreme in vitro sensitivity to Yondelis(R) with mutation of the p53 gene. Such evidence, in contrast with the pattern applicable to classical chemotherapeutic agents, provides a useful tool for patients' improvement strategies in prospective studies.
Commenting on the CTOS presentations, José Jimeno, VP of Scientific Development at PharmaMar, said, "The data presented at the CTOS meeting demonstrate the selective and targeted effects of Yondelis and reinforce the significant novelty of this marine-derived compound. Should these preliminary findings be confirmed by further studies, they may constitute a relevant tool to improve patients' treatment with Yondelis and to enhance the drug profile in prospective clinical trials."
About PharmaMar
PharmaMar is the world's leading biopharmaceutical company in advancing cancer care through the discovery and development of innovative marine-derived medicines. PharmaMar's clinical portfolio currently includes: Yondelis(R) (co-developed with Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research & Development) in Phase III clinical trials; it is also designated Orphan Drug for Soft Tissue Sarcomas and for ovarian cancer by the European Commission (E.C.) and by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). It also features Aplidin(R), in Phase II, designated Orphan Drug for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and for multiple myeloma; as well as Kahalalide F in Phase II, and ES-285, Zalypsis(R) and PM02734 in Phase I clinical trials.
PharmaMar, based in Madrid, Spain, is a subsidiary of the Zeltia Group, a leading European biotechnology and consumer chemical group (Spanish stock exchange, ZEL).
This press release is also available in the News section on PharmaMar's web site: http://www.pharmamar.com/en/press
For more information, contact:
Media:
Lola Casals,
PharmaMar Communication
tel. +34-91-846-6000
Teresa Garcia,
Zeltia Corporate Communication
tel. +34-91-444-4500
Investors:
Catherine Moukheibir,
Zeltia Capital Markets Operations
tel: +34-91-444-4500Contact:
Media: Lola Casals, PharmaMar Communication, tel. +34-91-846-6000.
Teresa Garcia, Zeltia Corporate Communication, tel. +34-91-444-4500.
Investors: Catherine Moukheibir, Zeltia Capital Markets Operations,
tel: +34-91-444-4500