Date: 12/14/05 16:03:19To: Cougar Biotechnology Announces Presentation of Positive Preclinical Data for CB3304 (Noscapine) in Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and Multiple Myeloma Tuesday December 13, 9:00 am ETLOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Dec. 13, 2005–Cougar Biotechnology, Inc., a privately held biotechnology company, today announced the presentation of results from preclinical experiments that demonstrate the effectiveness of the Company’s drug CB3304 (noscapine) for the treatment of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and multiple myeloma. The data was presented as a poster presentation at the American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting in Atlanta, Georgia.The preclinical studies demonstrate that noscapine exhibits potent antitumor activity against non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and myeloma in vitro as well as in vivo in xenograft models. More specifically, the in vitro studies demonstrated that following exposure to noscapine, the OPM2 (multiple myeloma), H9 (T cell lymphoma) and RL (B cell lymphoma) tumor cell lines exhibited an IC50 of approximately 30 nM, 700 nM, and 500 nM for the OPM2, H9 and RL lines respectively. Treatment with noscapine resulted in the induction of apoptosis in each of the cell lines tested. Additionally in vivo studies demonstrated that in xenograft models, daily administration of noscapine resulted in tumor growth delays of between 30-80% of the control tumor volumes.Owen O’Connor, MD, PhD, from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center stated “Noscapine exhibited marked activity in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and multiple myeloma cell lines that appears to complement the activity of conventional cytotoxic therapies. As noscapine may represent a new, well-tolerated, oral therapy for the treatment of lymphoma and myeloma, further clinical studies with the drug are warranted.”Dr. Arie Belldegrun, MD, FACS, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Cougar Biotechnology said, “We are pleased to see the results of these preclinical studies with noscapine. This is the first data to demonstrate the effectiveness of CB3304 (noscapine) in the various subtypes of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma as well as multiple myeloma. We look forward to continued clinical development of the drug in the hematological malignancies.” Alan H. Auerbach, Chief Executive Officer and President of Cougar Biotechnology added “This data not only demonstrates CB3304’s efficacy in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and multiple myeloma, but also demonstrates the effectiveness of the drug in combination with other agents that are typically used in the treatment of hematological malignancies. We continue to believe that the drug’s preliminary anticancer activity, good tolerability and unique mechanism of action provide strong support for noscapine’s continued clinical development.”About Cougar BiotechnologyCougar Biotechnology, Inc. is a Los Angeles-based private biotechnology company established to in-license and develop clinical stage drugs, with a specific focus on the field of oncology. Cougar’s oncology portfolio includes CB7630, which has completed Phase I clinical trials in prostate cancer, CB3304, which is currently being tested in a Phase I trial in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and CB1089, which has been clinically tested in a number of solid tumor types.Further information about Cougar Biotechnology can be found at www.cougarbiotechnology.com.This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause Cougar’s actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results and expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations, forecasts and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from these statements. Among other things, there can be no assurances that any of Cougar’s development efforts relating to its product candidates will be successful. Other risks that may affect forward-looking information contained in this press release include the possibility of being unable to obtain regulatory approval of Cougar’s product candidates, the risk that the results of clinical trials may not support Cougar’s claims, Cougar’s reliance on third-party researchers to develop its product candidates and its lack of experience in developing pharmaceutical products. Cougar assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Contact:Cougar Biotechnology, Inc. Alan H. Auerbach, +1-310-443-4209 Source: Cougar Biotechnology, Inc |
NOSCAPINE is a drug I have been using for some 7 to 8 years [ in Suriname], before I came to Israel, as cough medicine [used in Holland] for all age groups and remarkable safe!! It belongs to opiates and therefore this is even more remarkable. Codeine which also belongs to this group has quite a bit of side-effect and can cause bronchospasms[and severe constipation]When I came to Israel I stopped using it because it was not available here. A few years ago a patient brought to my attention [thanks to her ] that noscapine was examined for its effects on cancer treatment. I was very surprised to find articles about it and was even more surprised that the results found until then had been nearly “hidden” from the news media. The only explanation can be like always- that there is no patent on this drug!! Companies are not interested in “publishing the details” and it may harm their official market from patented medicines. A special world !! Anyhow, I am sending you now an article which speaks for itself. [one of the very difficult to treat “cancers”]The problem is that noscapine is hard to get in Israel [it is available from Netzach Israel pharmacy]on prescription, but it is quite expensive. The effective dose is probably much higher then that used for a cough!! Noscapine may be used for many more cancers because of its unique action mechanism. As such I have no experience with it until now [I did prescribe it to a few patients]A natural medicine I advise for most cancers is IP6, but this is not the place to expand further. May we be all healthy!! |