4SC AG achieves proof of concept for drug candidate SC12267

[Guest guest]

4SC AG achieves proof of concept for drug candidate SC12267

21 Jun 2007

4SC AG reported positive results for its drug candidate SC12267 in a preclinical proof of concept study for the treatment of chronic inflammatory bowel diseases

PLANEGG-MARTINSRIED, Germany | June 21, 2007 | 4SC AG (furt, Prime Standard: VSC) reported positive results for its drug candidate SC12267 in a preclinical proof of concept study for the treatment of chronic inflammatory bowel diseases. In addition to the indication of rheumatoid arthritis, which is presently evaluated in a clinical phase IIa study, the company is thus opening up a further important autoimmune disease indication for this agent, which may significantly increase the substance's market potential.

In this study the drug candidate's efficacy for treating chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, was tested in an animal model. The successful preclinical proof of concept now underlines the substance's therapeutic potential for this autoimmune disease.These study results are a significant prerequisite for the initiation of a clinical phase IIa study and consequently represent an important milestone in the development of a suitable drug.

The presently available options for the treatment of chronic inflammatory bowel diseases are inadequate. The drugs currently used are generally associated with serious side effects or are very expensive. Consequently, there is a significant medical need for potent and safe medicines. The quality of life of patients suffering from chronic inflammatory bowel diseases is considerably affected by the severe symptoms. The oral treatment with SC12267 has the potential to offer patients a new, promising therapeutic option for the treatment of these diseases.

"The successful preclinical proof of concept for SC12267 for treating chronic inflammatory bowel diseases is very important to us," commented Ulrich Dauer, CEO, 4SC AG. "On the one hand, this additional major indication would be associated with an enormous increase in the market potential of our drug candidate; on the other hand, this development is showing again how one drug candidate can serve as a platform for multiple promising projects at 4SC AG."

About proof of concept studyDextran sulfate sodium (DSS) induced colitis is an established and accepted animal model for chronic inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. The efficacy of two 4SC-compounds was tested in a chronic setting of this model in mice. Higher efficacy than in the Dexamethasone-treated control group was observed on the parameters body weight and colon length. Histological examination of the intestines showed a statistically significant amelioration of the parameters epithelial thickness and infiltration of inflammatory cells. These effects were comparable to those observed in the Dexamethasone control group.

About inflammatory bowel diseaseInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. The main forms of IBD are Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, both being chronic diseases with acute and symptom-free phases. IBD patients suffer from abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoe, weight loss, fatigue and further symptoms. Although the reasons for IBD are not completely cleared yet, it is strongly assumed that the patient´s own immune system attacks the intestinal mucosa und thus triggers the symptoms.

About 4SC4SC AG (ISIN DE0005753818) has been listed in the Prime Standard of furt Stock Exchange since 15 December 2005. Founded in 1997 and now with a staff of 60, the company develops novel drug candidates for inflammatory diseases and cancer using a cheminformatics based technology platform. Traditional high throughput screening of therapeutic agents has been transferred from the lab to the computer. Thus, the company offers substantial cost and time advantages as well as increased success rates in drug development. 4SC AG uses its patented technology platform to create a sustainable product pipeline for active agents that are developed in early clinical phases ("proof of concept") and subsequently result in upfront and milestone payments as well as participation in sales generated by out-licensed products to the pharmaceutical industry. There are currently six projects in the pipeline. The first project on the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis is currently undergoing clinical phase IIa. Four other product candidates are in preclinical development and another project is in the research stage. Furthermore, the company has its technology platform in co-operation projects with biotech and pharma companies and is already generating initial revenues.

http://www.pipelinereview.com/joomla/content/view/12708/109/

- Andi