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PRESS RELEASES ADVENTRX Pharmaceuticals Presents Positive CoFactor™ Results in Pancreatic Tumor Model SAN DIEGO – June 28, 2004 – ADVENTRX Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Amex: ANX) announced statistically significant tumor inhibition and survival using CoFactor™ combination treatments in a pancreatic tumor model. Results were presented by Dr. Mark J. Cantwell, Director of Preclinical Programs for ADVENTRX, on Saturday, June 25 at the Pancreatic Cancer 2004 Advances and Challenges conference in San Francisco. Treatment with CoFactor and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) showed statistically significant inhibition of tumor growth compared to control-treated mice. Furthermore, CoFactor/5-FU tumor inhibition was comparable to that observed with gemcitabine treatment. Combining an anti-VEGF antibody with CoFactor/5-FU resulted in the greatest tumor inhibition compared to all other treatment groups including those with or without anti-VEGF administration. More importantly, mice treated with CoFactor/5-FU/anti-VEGF had significantly greater survival than all other treatment groups. The results suggest use of CoFactor may re-enable 5-FU-based treatments for pancreatic cancer. The study further suggests combination CoFactor/5-FU/anti-VEGF therapy could provide enhanced antitumor activity compared to the standard pancreatic treatment with gemcitabine. "We find these preclinical results very encouraging and plan to pursue additional studies in human pancreatic cancer, a disease for which there are such limited options," said Nicholas Jon Virca, President and CEO of ADVENTRX. "We believe there is great potential for combination CoFactor/5-FU/anti-VEGF in pancreatic cancer as well as colorectal cancer, and feel that this regimen will also reduce toxicities associated with standard treatments." Gemcitabine has replaced 5-fluorouracil as the standard therapy for pancreatic cancer. This is due in part to lack of clear evidence of clinical benefit for patients with pancreatic cancer treated with either 5-FU alone or in combination with leucovorin, a folate-based biomodulator of 5-FU. Leucovorin is only effective when metabolized to its active form. CoFactor (5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate) is the active form of folate that allows 5-FU to work more effectively while reducing toxicities compared to current therapies. Anti-VEGF antibody, such as Avastin™, acts by blocking new blood vessel growth that feeds growing tumors. Avastin is currently being administered in the United States in combination with 5-FU and leucovorin. CoFactor is presently being studied in a Phase II clinical trial in the U.S. in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. The Company intends to begin Phase II trials for pancreatic cancer later this year. Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in men and women. According to the American Cancer Society, about 31,860 people in the US will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2004. About eighty percent of patients with pancreatic cancer, including those receiving first-line treatments, will die within one year of diagnosis. 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 on ADVENTRX 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. Contacts: The Ruth Group Investors: Stephanie Carrington 646-536-7017 Media: Cynthia Isaac, Ph.D. 646-536-7028 |
