SLN.L Regulatory News (SLN)

24 Apr 2006 11:15

SR Pharma plc announces two key scientific publications on therapeutic RNAi in Gene TherapyAtugen's scientists demonstrated successful systemic delivery of proprietarysiRNA molecules (AtuRNAi) for RNA interference in vivo and its therapeuticapplications in oncology.24 April, 2006 - London - SR Pharma plc (London LSE: SPA) subsidiary Atugen AGannounces the publication of two key scientific articles on RNAi-basedtherapeutics in the journal Gene Therapy.Both articles cover the development and systemic application of Atugen'ssiRNA-lipoplex (AtuPLEX) technology for enabling RNA interference (RNAi) invivo.In the first article, Atugen's scientists uncovered the requirement of siRNAformulation to allow functional cellular uptake and delivery in vivo afterintravenous administration. For this purpose Atugen's proprietary stabilizedsiRNAs (AtuRNAi) formulated with Atugen's novel cationic lipid (AtuFECT) andother components of the AtuPLEX were employed in proof of concept studies todemonstrate and establish target specific and RNAi-mediated knockdown for lossof function analysis in vivo.Atugen verified the successful application of the AtuPLEX for inhibiting tumourgrowth and metastases using appropriate in vivo tumour models as shown in thesecond publication.Iain Ross, Executive Chairman of SR Pharma, stated "Functional delivery hasfinally been recognised as the key issue for future therapeutic applications ofRNAi. We are very enthusiastic that Atugen's scientists have successfullyaddressed and unravelled this scientific problem. The developed AtuPLEX has allrequired features to become a novel therapeutic modality for a wide range ofhuman diseases".The published data establish a significant advancement in the development ofRNAi-based therapeutics towards future clinical applications.The following manuscripts are available ahead of print as advance onlinepublication (AOP) at Gene Therapy www.nature.com/gtA. Santel, M. Aleku, O. Keil, J. Endruschat, V. Esche, G. Fisch, S. Dames, K.LĦffler, M. Fechtner, W. Arnold, K. Giese, A. Klippel and J. Kaufmann (2006)A novel siRNA-lipoplex technology for RNA interference in the mouse vascularendothelium.Gene Therapy, advance online publication, April 20, 2006; doi:10.1038/sj.gt.3302777A. Santel, M. Aleku, O. Keil, J. Endruschat, V. Esche, B. Durieux, K. LĦffler,M. Fechtner, T. RĦhl, G. Fisch, S. Dames, W. Arnold, K. Giese, A. Klippel andJ. Kaufmann (2006)RNA interference in the mouse vascular endothelium by systemic administrationof siRNA-lipoplexes for cancer therapy.Gene Therapy, advance online publication, April 20, 2006; doi:10.1038/sj.gt.3302778About SR Pharma (www.srpharma.com)SR Pharma plc is a European biopharmaceutical company, listed on AIM. TheCompany has two operating subsidiaries Atugen AG (www.atugen.com) based inBerlin, Germany and Stanford Rook Ltd based in London, UK.Atugen is a leader in RNAi therapeutics. This Company has developed novel,chemically modified proprietary siRNA molecules ("AtuRNAi") and a proprietarydelivery system ("AtuPLEX") both of which have advantages over conventionalsiRNA molecules and their delivery. Currently Atugen and its collaborationpartners have lead molecules in pre-clinical development for a variety oftherapeutic indications. Clinical development of an AtuRNAi therapeuticmolecule is targeted to start in 2006 for a local/topical formulation and in2007 with a systemic formulation in advanced cancer.Stanford Rook Ltd is an immunotherapy based company which owns a proprietaryMycobacterium vaccae-based technology and related products, which have beenevaluated in clinical trials for the treatment of asthma, cancer andtuberculosis. In addition this Company has a number of other proprietaryimmunotherapeutic compounds and related intellectual property. Currently theCompany is in discussions with third parties regarding the co-development andout-licensing of M. vaccae and related products.Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release includes forward-looking statements that are subject torisks, uncertainties and other factors. These risks and uncertainties couldcause actual results to differ materially from those referred to in theforward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are based oninformation currently available to SR Pharma and SR Pharma assumes noobligation to update any such forward-looking statements.Enquiries:For further information, please contact the following:SR Pharma plc Atugen AG +44(0)20 7307 1620 +49(0)30 9489 2800 Iain Ross Executive Chairman Thomas Christĩly, CEO Melvyn Davies Finance Director Dr. Klaus Giese, CSO Northbank communication +44(0)20 7886 8150 Emma Palmer Rowan Minnion ENDSR PHARMA PLC