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- Posted Tuesday January 12, 2010
TD2 and Critical Outcome Technologies Inc. develop novel anti-cancer drug
World renowned clinical oncologist and TGen Drug Development
chosen to lead drug development program for COTI-2
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., and LONDON, Ontario - Jan. 12, 2010 - TGen Drug
Development (TD2) and Critical Outcome Technologies Inc. (COTI)
(TSXV:COT) announced today that they will work together to obtain
approval of clinical trials for a promising new anti-cancer drug
called COTI-2.
This easily synthesized small molecule compound was discovered and
developed by COTI of London, Ontario, Canada. This working
relationship resulted through the expanded relationship between
Canadian companies and the Phoenix-based Translational Genomics
Research Institute (TGen).
TD2, TGen's Scottsdale-based drug-development subsidiary, will work
with COTI to complete the Investigational New Drug (IND) enabling
research necessary to gain U.S. Food and Drug Administration
approval of clinical trials, perhaps by the end of 2010, and
eventually move the drug to market where it can benefit
patients.
COTI-2 works by inducing a brisk apoptotic response - the cancer
cell kills itself - by targeting a pro-survival enzyme family
called AKT. Initial tests have shown that COTI-2 can limit the
growth of tumors in several types of cancer without the toxic side
effects seen in other AKT inhibitors. It also may be even more
effective when used in combination with other anti-cancer
drugs.
"While traditional cancer chemotherapy is frequently limited by
significant toxic side effects, it is drug candidates like COTI-2
that represent a new generation of less toxic drugs with good
anti-tumor activity," said Dr. Wayne Danter, COTI's President and
Chief Scientific Officer.
COTI-2's development will be guided by Dr. Daniel Von Hoff, TGen's
Physician-In-Chief and Senior Investigator of TGen's Clinical
Translational Drug Division. Dr. Von Hoff has led the development
of numerous successful cancer therapies. Dr. Von Hoff's biography
can be found at
www.tgen.org/research/index.cfm?pageid=77&peopleid=65.
"I am delighted about our participation in the continued
development of this interesting new agent with what appears to be a
highly desirable mechanism of action," said Dr. Von Hoff. "I am
very hopeful that COTI-2 will have a therapeutic impact in patients
with tumors that are non-responsive to conventional therapeutic
agents across a number of cancer indications."
Researchers hope to demonstrate that this oral pill will be
especially beneficial for patients with small-cell lung cancer
(SCLC), endometrial cancer and ovarian cancer, but may also help
treat those with colorectal and pancreatic cancers. Collectively,
these treatments could represent a worldwide market of more than
$20 billion by 2018.
"We are ready to move this exciting new agent to patients quickly
and to identify patients most likely to benefit from COTI-2,'' said
Dr. Steve Gately, TD2's President and Chief Scientific
Officer.
"We are delighted to have the expertise of such a well respected
individual as Dr. Von Hoff," said Mr. Michael Cloutier, Chief
Executive Officer of COTI. "We believe that affiliating the
development of COTI-2 with the scientific expertise of TD2 and Dr.
Von Hoff will greatly assist in our commercial efforts. We value
the partnership we have with TD2, which allows us to proceed with
this program in a step wise fashion as resources become
available."
The relationship between TD2 and COTI was initiated at
BioPartnering North America 2008 thanks to the Canadian
Consulate-Phoenix, which sponsored TGen's participation at the
conference. The Canadian Consulate-Phoenix plays a key role in
making strategic introductions across Arizona's universities,
research facilities, local communities and commercial
companies.
"I am thrilled to see this new drug development collaboration
between TD2 and an emerging Canadian biotechnology company. The
Canada Arizona Business Council hopes that many more will be
done,'' said R. Glenn Williamson, Chief Executive Officer and
Founder of the Canada Arizona Business Council.
*
TGen Drug Development (TD2)
TGen Drug Development (TD2), a wholly owned subsidiary of the
Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), is a 501(c) 3
non-profit organization. TD2 provides innovative services for
oncology-focused biopharmaceutical companies utilizing a dedicated
team of professionals with broad experience and understanding in
drug development. TD2 is uniquely positioned to support the need
for improved and accelerated development of new chemical entities
(NCE's) for life-threatening diseases. TD2 utilizes a unique
combination of experience gained through its contract research
organization business, and an integrated suite of proprietary and
non-proprietary tools, preclinical study execution, regulatory
affairs assistance, clinical trial design and management, and drug
development experts to successfully move therapeutics towards
regulatory approval. TD2 is dedicated to reducing the risks and
uncertainty inherent in the drug development process.
www.td2.org
*
About TGen
The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) is a Phoenix,
Arizona-based non-profit organization dedicated to conducting
groundbreaking research with life changing results. Research at
TGen is focused on helping patients with diseases such as cancer,
neurological disorders and diabetes. TGen is on the cutting edge of
translational research where investigators are able to unravel the
genetic components of common and complex diseases. Working with
collaborators in the scientific and medical communities, TGen
believes it can make a substantial contribution to the efficiency
and effectiveness of the translational process. TGen is affiliated
with the Van Andel Research Institute in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
For more information, please visit: www.tgen.org.
Press Contact:
Steve Yozwiak
TGen Senior Science Writer
602-343-8704
[email protected]
*
About Critical Outcome Technologies Inc. (COTI)
COTI a is drug discovery and preclinical drug development company
formed around a unique computational platform technology called
CHEMSAS®, which allows for the accelerated identification,
profiling and optimization of targeted small molecules potentially
effective in the treatment of human diseases for which current
therapy is either lacking or ineffective. Currently, six targeted
libraries of lead compounds are under active development: small
cell lung and other cancers, multiple sclerosis, HIV integrase
inhibitors, adult acute leukemia, colorectal cancer and Alzheimer's
disease. For more information, please visit
www.criticaloutcome.com.
Press Contact:
Michael Barr
Director of Business Development and Marketing
519-858-5157
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