Amorfix and Aragen Bioscience enter into agreement to develop novel
monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of cancers
TSX: AMF
TORONTO, May 28 /CNW/ - Amorfix Life Sciences (TSX:AMF) and Aragen Bioscience, Inc. announced today that they have entered into an agreement to develop high-affinity monoclonal antibodies against a number of targets for cancer. Using its proprietary ProMIS(TM) computational platform discovery technology, Amorfix has identified several disease specific epitopes ("DSEs") on misfolded Fas receptor. Aragen will use those DSEs to generate highly specific monoclonal antibodies ("mAbs").
"Fas receptor is a well characterized target on cells that, when activated, causes programmed cell death, or apoptosis. Previous attempts to use Fas receptor as a therapeutic target for the development of new anti-cancer therapeutics have failed because its expression and function lead to undesirable side effects on normal cells. Using our ProMIS(TM) technology, we have identified DSEs on Fas receptor that will provide the required specificity for our mAbs to target and kill tumor cells while leaving normal cells intact," said Dr. Robert Gundel, Vice President of Research and Development at Amorfix. "We are very pleased to be collaborating with Aragen Bioscience on this important project in hopes of generating a highly effective and safe new therapeutic for the treatment of a variety of cancers."
"The ProMIS(TM) technology has identified novel and presumably rare epitopes having important potential in the treatment of several devastating diseases," commented Rick Srigley, President & CEO of Aragen Bioscience. "We are excited to be working with the Amorfix team and look forward to applying our technical skills and extensive experience to the development of novel mAbs for the treatment of cancer and other diseases."
About Amorfix
Amorfix Life Sciences Ltd. (TSX:AMF) is a theranostics company developing therapeutic products and diagnostic devices targeting misfolded protein diseases. Amorfix has utilized its computational discovery platform, ProMIS(TM), to predict novel Disease Specific Epitopes ("DSEs") on the molecular surface of misfolded proteins. Amorfix's lead therapeutic programs include antibodies and vaccines to DSEs in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ("ALS"), Alzheimer's Disease and cancer. Amorfix's proprietary Epitope Protection(TM) technology enables it to specifically identify very low levels of aggregated misfolded proteins ("AMPs") in a clinical sample. The Company's diagnostic programs include an ultrasensitive method for the detection of aggregated Beta-amyloid in brain tissue and plasma of animal models of Alzheimer's Disease months prior to the formation of observable amyloid, and a blood screening test for variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease ("vCJD"). For more information about Amorfix, visit www.amorfix.com.
About Aragen Bioscience
Aragen Bioscience, Inc. provides high content R&D services to the biotechnology and biopharmaceutical industry. The Company's expertise in molecular and cell biology, upstream and downstream process development, immunology and animal sciences allows it to perform a wide range of routine and complex projects. Aragen's services encompass virtually all aspects of pre-clinical product development, including cell line development, cell based assays, proof of principle studies in animal models of human disease and projects that integrate its in vitro and in vivo services. For more information about Aragen and its service portfolio, visit www.aragenbio.com.
This information release may contain certain forward-looking information. Such information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by statements herein, and therefore these statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. All forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to it as well as other factors. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Due to risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties identified by the Company in its public securities filings, actual events may differ materially from current expectations. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
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For further information: Dr. George Adams, President & Chief Executive Officer, Amorfix Life Sciences Ltd., Tel: (416) 847-6959, Fax: (416) 847-6899, [email protected]; James Parsons, Chief Financial Officer, Amorfix Life Sciences Ltd., Tel: (416) 847-6929, Fax: (416) 847-6899, [email protected]
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