Rexinoid Developed By NuRx Pharmaceuticals Shows Promise In Prevention, Treatment Of Lung, Breast Cancer, Paper In Clinical Cancer Research Reports

Main Category: Cancer / Oncology
Also Included In: Clinical Trials / Drug Trials;  Pharma Industry / Biotech Industry
Article Date: 27 Mar 2008 - 0:00 PDT

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NuRx Pharmaceutical Inc.'s (OTC Bulletin Board: NURX) next-generation rexinoid agonist, NRX4204, significantly reduced the number and size of lung tumors and lowered the total tumor volume in mouse models compared to the control group, according to a paper published in Clinical Cancer Research (2007; Vol. 13, Issue 20: 6237-6243).

In addition, the paper showed that NRX4204 caused marked tumor regression in all of the mammary tumors when used therapeutically. Rexinoids regulate cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis pathways.

Entitled "A New Rexinoid, NRX4204, Prevents Carcinogenesis in Both Lung and Mammary Gland," the paper is based on a study that first evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of NRX4204 and its growth-inhibitory properties in vitro and then measured the compound's ability to prevent and/or treat experimental lung and estrogen receptor (ER)-negative breast cancer in vivo.

"This study demonstrates that NRX4204 is exceptionally potent and not only reduces the number and size of adenocarcinomas in the lung, but it also prevents the development of mammary tumors and induces striking tumor regression in established mammary tumors," said Michael Sporn, Ph.D., professor of pharmacology and toxicology and of medicine at Dartmouth Medical School and the study's principal investigator. "For the first time, NRX4204 also showed effects as an anti-inflammatory agent in cell culture models that are highly relevant for human inflammatory diseases."

Harin Padma-Nathan, M.D., President and CEO of NuRx Pharmaceuticals said: "In this study, NRX4204 exhibited dramatic effects in the prevention of the development of lung cancer and in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer in spontaneous models. We have initiated a Phase I clinical trial and intend to pursue the development of this compound as a treatment for both lung and breast cancer. There are no rexinoid treatments currently approved for these indications."

NuRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of next-generation retinoid and rexinoid compounds for application in oncology (treatment, prevention and adjunctive supportive therapy) and other highly prevalent diseases. The company's lead compounds are NRX4204, a highly specific, next-generation rexinoid agonist that is targeted for development in non-small cell lung carcinoma and breast cancer and a RAR agonist for the treatment of acute leukemia. Based in Irvine, Calif., NuRx has a technology and IP platform that includes a library of nearly 6,000 compounds supported by 230 issued U.S. and international patents and more than 80 additional patents in application. For more information, visit http://www.nurxpharmaceutical.com.

The above information contains information relating to the Company that is based on the beliefs of the Company and/or its management as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company or its management. The Company, from time to time, may discuss forward-looking information. Except for the historical information contained in this news release, all forward-looking statements are predictions by the Company's management and are subject to various risks and uncertainties that may cause results to differ from management's current expectations. Such factors include the fact that the Company is engaged in early stage research and does not expect to obtain any revenues for several years and other risks as detailed from time to time in the Company's registration statement and reports and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements, if any, in this news release represent the Company's judgment as of the date of this news release. The Company disclaims, however, any intent or obligation to update forward-looking statements.

NuRx Pharmaceutical Inc.
http://www.nurxpharmaceutical.com