Just like the antioxidant vitamins E and C, MetaPhore's SOD mimetics remove free radicals. However, the metal-based mimetic compounds do so at a greatly enhanced rate (mopping up more than 20 million superoxide molecules per second) and in a very selective manner. Unlike naturally derived SOD enzyme, the metal-based mimetic is well suited for use as a drug because it has a much lower molecular weight, is much more stable, has a longer half-life, and does not appear to elicit an immune response in the body.
Attempts to use natural, bovine-derived SOD enzymes in clinical applications were frustrated by the natural form's inherent instability and the body's allergic reaction to its introduction. It also had a very short half-life, lasting intact in the body only about fifteen minutes.
Numerous animal studies over the last few years have confirmed the disease fighting potential of MetaPhore's SOD mimetics. The October 1999 issue of Science published research documenting that MetaPhore's SOD mimetic substantially reduced tissue damage due to inflammation and reperfusion - the latter involving the return of blood flow to an organ following removal of a blockage, such as after a heart attack.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in August 2000 indicated potential new treatments to counter the perplexing and often fatal blood pressure drop that accompanies septic shock.
The company's first drug candidate is targeted at cancer, where it is proceeding toward an Investigational New Drug (IND) submission to the FDA by year-end. The second drug candidate, for acute and chronic pain, is expected to move into clinical trials in the first half of 2001.
Among the other areas where MetaPhore is moving its SOD mimetics program forward are dermatitis, rheumatoid arthritis and stroke. The company believes its novel approach could result in tr
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Contact: Emily Ross
eross@kupperparker.com
314-290-2156
Kupper Parker Communications
17-Sep-2000