InCode BioPharmaceutics, Inc. Announces Key Data Supporting New Treatment Of Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH)

Main Category: Blood / Hematology
Also Included In: Clinical Trials / Drug Trials;  Pharma Industry / Biotech Industry
Article Date: 24 Jul 2008 - 1:00 PDT

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InCode BioPharmaceutics, Inc., an emerging biopharmaceutical company, announced preclinical test results demonstrating the utility of their lead drug candidate rC3-1 for the treatment of the rare chronic blood disorder paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). The complete results will be presented at the XXII International Complement Workshop in Basel, Switzerland, September 28, 2008.

The only treatment currently available for PNH patients is an anti-C5 antibody Soliris(TM) (eculizumab) sold by Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

rC3-1 promotes the enzymatic partial depletion of C3, the hub of the complement cascade. Complement protein C3 is the master regulator of complement protein C5 that mediates cell damage in PNH patients. The reduction of C3 has been shown to reduce PNH cell destruction.

PNH is a rare debilitating and life-threading disease. PNH is an acquired genetic blood disorder in which patients' red blood cells are destroyed by complement, a component of the body's immune system. PNH patients have a sub-population of red blood cells (PNH cells) that are susceptible to immune complement-mediated destruction. In this study, PNH cells from patients remained intact in blood serum treated with rC3-1 when compared to non-treated serums.

"rC3-1 appears to be a promising new treatment alternative with several benefits over the existing treatment," Commented Bill St. John CEO of InCode. "The unique action of rC3-1, offers patients the potential for more convenient self-administered dosing and physicians' a more cost effective and flexible treatment option."

InCode is planning PNH clinical trials testing rC3-1. These trials will provide a foundation for series of subsequent clinical trials addressing macular degeneration, asthma and other autoimmune and inflammatory disease indications.

InCode BioParmaceutics, Inc. is an emerging biotechnology company that is developing a new class of recombinant proteins for the controlled depletion of complement protein C3. The therapeutic potential for C3 depletion has been demonstrated in Macular Degeneration, Asthma, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. C3 depletion has also been demonstrated as a useful adjuvant to surgery, transplantation and cancer therapy. InCode is pursuing a progressive clinical development plan focused on proof of concept trials.

InCode BioPharmaceutics, Inc.
http://www.incodebp.com