|
 |
||||||||
 |
PRESS RELEASES ADVENTRX Pharmaceuticals Announces Positive Findings for Combination CoFactor™, VEGF antibody and 5-FU in Colorectal Tumor Model Findings Published in 2004 Annual ASCO Meeting Proceedings SAN DIEGO, June 07, 2004 – ADVENTRX Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Amex: ANX) announced positive results using CoFactor in combination with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and an antibody-based inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) in a mouse model for human colorectal cancer. Results of the findings were published in the Proceedings of the American Society of Clinical Oncologists (ASCO) 40th Annual Meeting in New Orleans, June 5-8. Results show the drug combination of CoFactor/5-FU/anti-VEGF inhibited tumor growth more effectively than other 5-FU containing treatment regimens, including leucovorin/5-FU treated animals. As a result, animal survival was greatest in the CoFactor/5-FU/anti-VEGF treatment group. Together, the evidence suggests the combination of CoFactor with 5-FU and anti-VEGF antibody, such as Genentech's Avastin™, may have greater antitumor activity than standard 5-FU therapies in colorectal cancer. "These studies are the first to indicate that CoFactor used in conjunction with 5-FU and anti-VEGF therapy may be beneficial over the current standard treatment regimen of leucovorin and 5-FU," remarked Mark Cantwell, Ph.D., ADVENTRX Pharmaceuticals' Director of Preclinical Development and lead author of the data published in the Proceedings. "Additional, expanded studies in this colorectal tumor model are underway to further validate these findings." CoFactor (5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate) is a biomodulator of 5-FU activity. As a form of folic acid, CoFactor acts by enhancing the anti-tumor effects of 5-FU while reducing side effects compared to current therapies. Leucovorin, the currently used adjunctive agent, must be metabolized in the body to be effective. CoFactor bypasses this biochemical pathway to directly deliver the correct form of folate to cancer cells allowing 5-FU to work more effectively. About ADVENTRX ADVENTRX Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a biopharmaceutical research and development company whose business strategy is to commercialize leading edge medical research through licensing agreements with prominent universities and research institutions. The Company focuses on cancer and antiviral research to launch products that either extend the usefulness of current therapies or replace marginal therapies with new approaches to treatment. More information can be found on the Company's website at www.adventrx.com . This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are made based on management's current expectations and beliefs. Actual results may vary from those currently anticipated based upon a number of factors, including uncertainties inherent in the drug development process, the timing and success of clinical trials, the validity of research results, and the receipt of necessary approvals from the United States Food and Drug Administration. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions, which may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. Contact: The Ruth Group Investors: Stephanie Carrington 646-536-7017 Media: Cynthia Isaac, Ph.D. 646-536-7028 |
