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Acologix Presents
Preclinical Data on Phosphatonin at the 38th Annual meeting of The
American Society of Nephrology
Hayward, CA – November 14, 2005 –
Acologix, Inc., a privately held biopharmaceutical company, presented
recent study results of Phosphatonin, the Company’s product
candidate for the treatment of hyperphosphatemia associated with
renal disease, at the 38th annual meeting of The American Society
of Nephrology (Renal Week 2005), held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
USA.
The abstract entitled, “Regulation of Sodium Phosphate Cotransport
by rhMEPE (F-FC127)” was selected for an oral presentation
in the session, Regulations, Actions, and Metabolism of PTH, Vitamin
D, Phosphatonins and CaSR held November 11, 2005. The data characterized
the in vitro and in vivo activities of Acologix’s preclinical
candidate Phosphatonin (also known as MEPE and AC-200). This is
the first reported expression of recombinant human MEPE (rhMEPE)
in a mammalian expression system. The profile of this molecule suggests
significant differences in posttranslational modifications compared
to those observed in rhMEPE expressed by E. coli or bacculovirus
systems. All forms of the molecule showed similar activity with
respect to in vitro phosphate transport using renal tubular cells.
However, the proteins displayed clear structural differences and
pharmacokinetic profiles in vivo, presumably due to these posttranslational
modifications. Further evaluation is underway to determine the biological
significance of these modifications and to determine the appropriate
expression system to use for clinical development. “Current
therapeutics for phosphate regulation and to treat hyperphosphatemia
are inadequate. Clinical studies continue to stress the importance
of maintaining a normalized serum phosphorus level in patients with
chronic kidney disease”, said Sarbani Bhaduri, MD, Nephrologist
and Vice President Medical Affairs at Acologix
About Acologix, Inc.
Acologix strives to improve patients’ lives by developing
and commercializing innovative biopharmaceuticals targeting “osteo-renal”
(bone and kidney) diseases. Acologix’s substantial expertise
in identifying and developing therapeutics with unique mechanisms
of action in the osteo-renal field will be key to solving major
kidney and bone health problems. Such conditions include chronic
kidney failure, renal osteodystrophy, bone repair and regeneration,
periodontal disease, general dentistry and oral care. These conditions
are present in increasing numbers worldwide and require the development
of novel therapeutics . Acologix is uniquely focused on these rapidly
growing health care problems. Acologix has recently announced a
partnership with Toray Industries, Inc. of Japan on the development
and commercialization of TRK-820, an anti-pruritic agent for the
treatment of uremic pruritus in dialysis patients. A European Phase
III clinical study is planned for launch in late 2005. Acologix’s
plans to launch a US phase III trial in late 2006. Acologix’s
leading hard tissue regeneration compound, AC-100 (Dentonin®)
is currently under investigation in two Phase II clinical studies
in Europe and the United States for the repair of periodontal defects
and in dental restorations, respectively. Acologix is developing
AC-200 (Phosphatonin) to treat hyperphosphatemia and its subsequent
clinical problems associated with chronic kidney disease.
This press release contains “forward-looking” statements.
These statements involve risks and uncertainties, which may cause
results to differ materially from those set forth in the statements.
The forward-looking statements include statements regarding product
development and cannot be guaranteed. Acologix undertakes no obligation
to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result
of new information, future events, or otherwise. Forward-looking
statements in this press release should be evaluated together with
the many uncertainties that affect Acologix’s business.
Company Contact
Yoshi Kumagai
President and CEO
Phone: 510.512.7200
Fax: 510.786.1116
ir@acologix.com
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