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Acologix Licenses Novel Technology for Treatment of Interstitial Cystitis from University of Maryland, Baltimore
HAYWARD, Calif. – September 6, 2006 – Acologix, Inc.,
a privately-held biopharmaceutical company, announced today that
it has licensed technology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore,
for the potential treatment of interstitial cystitis (IC). A chronic
bladder condition characterized by serious pain and increased frequency
of urination, interstitial cystitis affects an estimated 700,000
Americans, of whom approximately 90 percent are women. To date,
there are no satisfactory treatments for this condition.
Acologix’ license includes patents related to Heparin Binding
Epidermal Growth Factor-like Growth Factor (HB-EGF) and therapies
targeting a novel human peptide known as anti-proliferative factor
(APF). Research led by Susan Keay, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Medicine,
Division of Infectious Diseases, at the Baltimore VA Hospital and
the University of Maryland, Baltimore, has demonstrated the potential
of HB-EGF and APF in the development of a novel interstitial cystitis
therapy. Acologix will sponsor continuing research and development
efforts at the Baltimore VA and the University of Maryland, Baltimore.
“Based on the ability of HB-EGF to normalize the physiology
of bladder cells from IC patients, we believe it may represent
a new way to treat interstitial cystitis,” said Dr. Keay.
David Rosen, Ph.D., Senior Vice President of Research and Development
at Acologix added, “Dr. Keay is a recognized leader in her
field. We look forward to building on her research as we collaborate
to develop a novel therapeutic for this debilitating condition.”
About Acologix, Inc.
Acologix, a privately held biopharmaceutical company, is developing
and commercializing innovative biopharmaceuticals targeting osteo-renal
diseases, including chronic kidney disease, renal osteodystrophy,
bone repair and regeneration, periodontal disease, general dentistry
and oral care. Acologix is partnering with Toray Industries, Inc.
of Japan on the development and commercialization of AC-820 (or
TRK-820) for the treatment of uremic pruritus in dialysis patients.
AC-820 is being studied in a European Phase III pivotal clinical
trial, with a Phase III trial planned to launch in the United States.
AC-100 (Dentonin®), a novel small peptide with dental, periodontal
and orthopedic applications, has been studied in two recently concluded
Phase II clinical studies, one in dental restoration procedures
and another for the repair of periodontal defects, and further
studies are planned. Acologix is also developing AC-200 (Phosphatonin)
to treat hyperphosphatemia and subsequent clinical problems associated
with chronic kidney disease. For more information go to www.acologix.com.
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’ business.
Acologix Contact
Yoshi Kumagai
President and CEO
Phone: 510-512-7200
Fax: 510-786-1116
ir-usa@acologix.com
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