- Results of Study Conducted at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Published in Clinical Cancer Research -
GAITHERSBURG, Md., Aug. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- MedImmune, Inc.
(Nasdaq: MEDI) announced today results showing that elevated levels of EphA2
frequently contribute to ovarian cancer progression and that high levels of
this protein may relate to decreased patient survival. Data from the study,
conducted at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, were
published in the August 1, 2004 issue of Clinical Cancer Research. The study
documented significantly higher levels of EphA2 in ovarian cancer cell lines
and malignant ovarian tumors than in non-cancerous cell lines or benign
ovarian masses.
"The identification of a biomarker that could predict disease progression
is promising to those of us fighting this disease in the clinic as well as the
lab," said Anil K. Sood, M.D., associate professor, gynecologic oncology at M.
D. Anderson and lead author of the study. "We now have rationale for
developing a strategy to target this protein, EphA2, to increase patient
survival."
Data from the study, entitled "EphA2 Expression is Associated with
Aggressive Features in Ovarian Carcinoma," showed that laboratory models and
clinical specimens of ovarian cancer had high levels of EphA2. At least 76
percent of the invasive ovarian tumor samples in the study overexpressed
EphA2, with the highest levels of the protein consistently found on the most
aggressive cancers. Consistent with this result, high levels of EphA2
predicted shorter survival and poorer patient outcome. These studies suggest
that EphA2 might be used to identify the most aggressive forms of ovarian
cancer.
"By demonstrating EphA2 overexpression to be an indicator of ovarian
cancer survival, we believe that the development of products targeting EphA2
could potentially result in significantly improved outcomes for women stricken
with this deadly form of cancer," said Peter Kiener, D.Phil., vice president,
research at MedImmune. "MedImmune researchers are applying their expertise in
monoclonal antibody therapy and vaccines against EphA2 as well as other
important targets in cancer. In light of data linking high levels of EphA2
with poor survival, this emphasizes the potential opportunity that targeted
intervention could provide in the battle against the most deadly forms of this
disease."
In addition to ovarian cancers, EphA2 is overexpressed by other types of
human cancers, including melanoma (skin cancer), breast and prostate. The
highest levels of EphA2 have been found on the most aggressive cancer cells,
which is consistent with evidence linking EphA2 to clinical features of
metastasis (cancer spread). Research to date indicates that EphA2 functions
differently on malignant cells than it does on normal cells, and these
differences may help facilitate the selective targeting of cancer cells while
minimizing unwanted toxicities to normal cells.
MedImmune continues to build a body of scientific evidence demonstrating
the role of EphA2 in uncontrolled tumor growth and metastasis, as well as the
potential for EphA2 antibodies and vaccines to specifically treat or prevent
certain cancers. The company is also pioneering new therapeutic strategies to
exploit EphA2 as a target for cancer therapy.
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), ovarian cancer is the
fifth most common cancer in women. In 2004, ACS estimates that there will be
more than 25,580 new cases of ovarian cancer in the U.S. and approximately
16,090 women will die due to the disease. However, five-year survival rates
for women with ovarian cancer have continued to improve since 1974, and if
treated early, nine out of 10 women will live longer than five years after the
cancer is found.
About MedImmune, Inc.
MedImmune strives to provide better medicines to patients, new medical
options for physicians, rewarding careers to employees, and increased value to
shareholders. Dedicated to advancing science and medicine to help people live
better lives, the company is focused on the areas of pediatric infectious
diseases, cancer and inflammatory diseases. With approximately 1,800
employees worldwide, MedImmune is headquartered in Maryland. For more
information, visit the company's website at http://www.medimmune.com.
This announcement may contain, in addition to historical information,
certain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Such
statements reflect management's current views and are based on certain
assumptions. Actual results could differ materially from those currently
anticipated as a result of a number of factors, including risks and
uncertainties discussed in MedImmune's filings with the U.S. Securities and
Exchange Commission. The company is developing several products for potential
future marketing. There can be no assurance that such development efforts
will succeed, that such products will receive required regulatory clearance or
that, even if such regulatory clearance were received, such products would
ultimately achieve commercial success.
SOURCE MedImmune, Inc.
-0- 08/11/2004
/CONTACT: Media: Jamie Lacey, +1-301-398-4035, or Investors: Peter Vozzo,
+1-301-398-4358, or John Filler, +1-301-398-4086, all of MedImmune, Inc./
/Web site: http://www.medimmune.com /
(MEDI)
CO: MedImmune, Inc.; University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center
ST: Maryland, Texas
IN: HEA MTC BIO
SU: SVY WOM
RJ-MV
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5965 08/11/2004 09:01 EDT http://www.prnewswire.com