http://finance.individual.com/display_news.asp?doc_id=CT2001194p2330&page=news
July 13, 2001 9:00am
SEATTLE, Jul 13, 2001 /PRNewswire
via COMTEX/ -- Immunex Corporation (Nasdaq: IMNX) announced today that
it filed an investigational new drug application (IND) with the U.S. Food
& Drug Administration (FDA) to begin Phase 1 clinical studies with
Interleukin-1 (IL-1) Receptor Type II to assess tolerability.
"Moving IL-1 Receptor Type II into
the clinic months ahead of our projections represents advancement towards
the company's goal of bringing two molecules into human clinical testing
this year," said Peggy Phillips, executive vice president and chief operating
officer for Immunex. "This molecule also represents an excellent potential
opportunity to add to our market leadership in inflammatory disease."
IL-1 is known to be a key mediator
of inflammatory disease. The immune system needs a certain amount of IL-1
to function properly. Too much IL-1 in the body can lead to the development
of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, multiple myeloma,
multiple sclerosis and Crohn's disease.
"Immunex has pioneered exploration
into the IL-1 system having cloned several IL-1 receptors," said Kendall
Mohler, Ph.D, vice president of biologic sciences, Immunex Corporation.
"Based on what we have seen in pre-clinical studies, the IL-1 Receptor
Type II may be the most efficient therapeutic approach to regulate IL-1."
A natural regulator of IL-1, the
IL-1 Receptor Type II is found on the surface of cells and also in a soluble
(free-floating) form in the body. IL-1 Receptor Type II works by competitively
binding IL-1. In pre-clinical models, this binding prevents IL-1 from binding
to cell-surface receptors, potentially preventing a signal to the cell
which can lead to inflammatory disease.
Phase 1 studies will be initiated
in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Single and multiple dosing schedules
will be evaluated. Results of the studies are expected mid-2002.
Immunex Corporation is a leading
biopharmaceutical company dedicated to improving lives through immune system
science innovations.
NOTE: Except for the historical information
contained herein, this news release contains forward-looking statements
that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Among the factors that
could cause actual results or timelines to differ materially are risks
associated with research and clinical development, regulatory approvals,
our supply capabilities and reliance on third-party manufacturers, product
commercialization, competition, litigation and other risk factors listed
from time to time in reports filed by Immunex with the SEC, including but
not limited to risks described under the caption "Important Factors That
May Affect Our Business, Our Results of Operations and Our Stock Price"
within our most recently filed Form 10-Q. The forward-looking statements
contained in this news release represent our judgment as of the date of
this release. Immunex undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking
statements. An electronic version of this news release -- as well as additional
information about Immunex of interest to investors, customers, future employees
and patients -- is available on the Immunex home page at WWW.IMMUNEX.COM.
SOURCE Immunex Corporation
CONTACT: media,
Robin Shapiro, +1-206-389-4040, or investors,
Copyright (C) 2001 PR Newswire.
All rights reserved.
Source: PR Newswire
Mark Leahy, +1-206-389-4363, both of Immunex Corporation
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