Five Investigational Compounds from Robust Ongoing Clinical Trials Program Target Novel Cancer Pathways
THOUSAND OAKS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 3, 2008--Amgen (NASDAQ: AMGN) today announced that results from several preclinical and clinical trials investigating cancer treatment will be presented at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2008 in San Diego between April 12-16, 2008. Data will be presented on pipeline compounds: AMG 102, AMG 386, AMG 479, AMG 655 and motesanib diphosphate (AMG 706).
At AACR, Amgen will present data from studies investigating the tumor attacking potential of these products - alone or in combination with other therapies. These early studies have provided the biologic evidence to allow Amgen to launch a suite of exploratory Phase 1b/2 programs with these five molecules, across 15 tumor types with more than 30 clinical trials currently underway or planned.
"These data underscore our ongoing exploration of key biological processes that influence the growth of cancer cells including angiogenesis, apoptosis and growth regulation," said David Chang, M.D., vice president, Global Oncology Development at Amgen. "In addition, Amgen is actively pursuing identification of biomarkers that will help the company make better and earlier decisions about pipeline compounds, and enable targeted application of specific therapies to the patients who are more likely to benefit from treatment with them."
Selected Presentations of Interest
Anti-Angiogenesis
A program focused on the development of molecules that will interdict the abnormal process of new blood vessel formation.
-- Combined treatment of angiopoietin and VEGF pathway antagonists
enhances antitumor activity in preclinical models of colon
carcinoma.
Overview: Researchers combined AMG 386 with either bevacizumab or
motesanib diphosphate (AMG 706) to explore inhibition of the
VEGF/VEGFR pathways.
Abstract No. 1113 (Sunday, April 13, 2008, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM)
-- In-vitro activity of motesanib diphosphate, an inhibitor of VEGFR,
PDGFR and Kit tyrosine kinases, against imatinib-resistant Kit
mutations.
Overview: Researchers tested the activity of motesanib diphosphate
(AMG 706) a small molecule inhibitor of VEGFR, PDGFR and Kit,
against primary oncogenic and imatinib-resistant Kit mutations in
Gleevec(R)-resistant gastrointestinal stromal tumors.
Abstract No. 4887 (Tuesday, April 15, 2008, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM)
-- Modulation of radiation response by motesanib diphosphate in models
of head and neck squamous cell (HNSCC) carcinoma.
Overview: Researchers explored the benefit of adding AMG 706 to
radiation therapy in HNSCC models.
Abstract No. 5764 (Wednesday, April 16, 2008, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
Cancer Cell Apoptosis
A program focused on the development of highly selective therapies to induce cancer cell death (apoptosis).
-- Positron emission tomography (PET) measurement of death receptor 5
(DR5) receptor occupancy (RO) using (64)Cu-labeled AMG 655 in
colo205 xenografts.
Overview: Researchers evaluated the potential for PET to measure
DR5 RO non-invasively using (64)Cu-labeled AMG 655 in an AMG 655-
sensitive xenograft model (Colo205).
Abstract No. 3162 (Monday, April 14, 2008, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM)
-- AMG 655, a monoclonal antibody agonist directed against Death
Receptor 5, induces apoptosis in human colon carcinoma cell lines
and its therapeutic potential is enhanced in combination with
chemotherapeutic agents.
Overview: Researchers evaluated the anti-tumor potential of AMG 655
when it is combined with irinotecan or 5-flurouracil in a colon
cancer model.
Abstract No. 1326 (Sunday, April 13, 2008, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM)
-- AMG 655, a fully human agonistic antibody against Death Receptor 5,
enhances the anti-tumor activity of gemcitabine in MiaPaCa2/T2, a
pancreatic cancer model.
Overview: Researchers evaluated the anti-tumor potential of AMG 655
when it is added to gemcitabine in a pancreatic cancer model.
Abstract No. 3999 (Tuesday, April 15, 2008, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
Growth Regulation
A program focused on targeting cellular pathways that regulate cell pre-production, survival, migration and invasion which cancer cells often escape.
-- Exploratory biomarkers in the HGF/SF: c-Met axis: preclinical and
clinical results.
Overview: Examination of exploratory biomarkers that may help
determine treatment response in several types of cancers.
Abstract No. 2804 (Monday, April 14, 2008, 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM)
-- AMG 479, a fully human anti-IGF-1R monoclonal antibody, inhibits
IGF-1 induced phospho-Akt and enhances the antineoplastic activity
of cyclophosphamide in vivo
Overview: Examining pathway activation in ongoing Ewing's sarcoma
trial.
Abstract No. 4001 (Tuesday, April 15, 2008, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
-- Domain-specific mechanisms of receptor inhibition by AMG 479, a
fully-human IGF1R targeted antibody
Overview: Inhibition of tumor growth with AMG 479 and other L2
domain antibodies versus CR and FnIII-1 antibodies in vivo using
two different tumor models.
Abstract No. 3994 (Tuesday, April 15, 2008, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
About Amgen
Amgen discovers, develops, manufactures and delivers innovative human therapeutics. A biotechnology pioneer since 1980, Amgen was one of the first companies to realize the new science's promise by bringing safe and effective medicines from lab, to manufacturing plant, to patient. Amgen therapeutics have changed the practice of medicine, helping millions of people around the world in the fight against cancer, kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis and other serious illnesses. With a deep and broad pipeline of potential new medicines, Amgen remains committed to advancing science to dramatically improve people's lives. To learn more about our pioneering science and our vital medicines, visit www.amgen.com.
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SOURCE: Amgen