http://news.excite.com/news/pr/011128/ny-nastech-trial
Updated: Wed, Nov 28 9:24 AM EST
HAUPPAUGE, N.Y., Nov. 28 /PRNewswire/
-- Nastech Pharmaceutical Company Inc. (NASDAQ:NSTK) announced today that
it has commenced a Phase I clinical trial in the United States to evaluate
the nasal administration of interferon beta. The clinical program will
explore the tolerance, safety and absorption of interferon beta in 12 healthy
male subjects and ultimately aims to validate this technology in the treatment
of Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
The continuous administration of
interferon beta to MS patients allows the use of a lower dose and may significantly
reduce the incidence of drug related side effects. Since continuous infusion
outside the hospital setting is impractical, the nasal route may allow
one to approximate a continuous administration, with the accrued benefits,
including improved patient-to-patient dose variability.
"We believe that a nasal formulation
of interferon beta with an improved safety and efficacy profile may address
a significant unmet medical need in patients with this CNS disease," stated
Steven C. Quay, M.D., Ph.D., Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer
of Nastech. "Initiation of clinical trials with interferon beta is a further
execution of our strategy to identify and assess macromolecules that are
FDA approved, administered by injection, have two or more innovators, and
address billion-dollar market opportunities."
MS is a chronic, often disabling
disease of the central nervous system. It is caused by the destruction
of myelin by the immune system. Myelin is the fatty tissue that surrounds
and protects central nervous system nerve fibers and facilitates the flow
of nerve impulses to and from the brain. The loss of myelin disrupts the
conduction of nerve impulses, producing the symptoms of MS. Symptoms may
be mild -- numbness in the limbs, or severe -- paralysis or loss of vision.
The onset of MS generally occurs between the ages of 15 and 55. Approximately
300,000 people in the U.S., the majority of whom are women, suffer from
MS.
Interferon beta is indicated for
the treatment of relapsing forms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). It is a protein
of relatively high molecular weight (approximately 19-24kD) and is currently
administered by injection only. Interferon beta is marketed worldwide by
Biogen, Inc. and Berlex Laboratories, Inc., and in 72 countries outside
the U.S. by Ares-Serono. Total sales exceed $1.1 billion annually.
Nastech Pharmaceutical Company Inc,
recognized worldwide as a leader in nasal drug delivery technology, is
dedicated to improving patient care by using Formulation Science to provide
new therapeutic options. Additional information on Nastech is available
at http://www.Nastech.com.
Nastech Safe Harbor Statement
Statements contained herein that
are not historical fact may be forward-looking statements within the meaning
of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, that are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties.
There are a number of important factors that could cause actual results
to differ materially from those projected or suggested in any forward-looking
statement made by the Company. These factors include, but are not limited
to: (i) the Company's ability to successfully complete product research
and development, including pre-clinical and clinical studies and commercialization;
(ii) the Company's ability to obtain required governmental approvals, including
product and patent approvals; (iii) the Company's ability to attract and/or
maintain manufacturing, sales, distribution and marketing partners; and
(iv) the Company's ability to develop and commercialize its products before
its competitors. In addition, significant fluctuations in quarterly results
may occur as a result of varying milestone payments and the timing of costs
and expenses related to the Company's research and development program.
Additional factors that would cause actual results to differ materially
from those projected or suggested in any forward-looking statements are
contained in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
including those factors discussed under the caption "Risk Factors" in the
Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Contact:
Matthew D. Haines
Noonan/Russo Communications
©2001 At Home Corporation
Director, Corporate Communications
(631) 273-0101, ext. 329
(212) 696-4455
Ellie Kline, ext. 254 (media)
David Walsey, ext. 230 (investors)