Enzo Biochem, Inc. (NYSE:ENZ) today reported on the Company’s
therapeutic platforms utilizing oral immune regulation for immune
mediated diseases at the Bio-Europe 2009 15th Annual
International Conference here calling it a "bright area of therapeutic
promise.”
"Our therapeutics subsidiary has long viewed oral immune regulation as
an exciting and promising platform and one that we continue to pursue
through studies involving treatment candidates for unmet medical needs,”
the meeting was told by David Goldberg, Enzo's Vice President, Corporate
Development. "Additionally, as we grow our Life sciences and Clinical
Labs divisions, we are utilizing the experience and knowledge gained in
our drug discovery programs to better position Enzo in the rapidly
growing companion diagnostics space.”
He cited as examples of ongoing clinical studies:
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Alequel™, an individualized therapy for treatment of Crohn’s disease.
A multi-arm Phase 2 clinical trial, with no treatment-related
side-effects, having met its endpoints and offering the potential to
induce long-term remission. Current treatments have limited utility
with potential serious side effects, and, if successful, Alequel™
could reduce the need for steroids and immunosuppressive therapy.
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Optiquel™, an oral, novel peptide for autoimmune uveitis. The
treatment is designed to inhibit progression of autoimmune uveitis by
inducing tolerance to intraocular antigens, resulting in reduced
inflammation and inhibition of disease progression. A proof of concept
trial – that could simultaneously evaluate enhancements that may have
utility for other indications, including Alequel™ -- is being
undertaken in conjunction with the National Eye Institute.
Mr. Goldberg also noted that Enzo’s platform involves the use of
"chronic treatments for chronic disease states”, and additionally, that
the Company has also made progress in the development of its drug
screening platform that has yielded orally delivered small molecules
having potentially significant effects for bone disorders and diabetes.
About Enzo
Enzo Biochem is engaged in the research, development, manufacture and
licensing of innovative health care products and technologies based on
molecular biology and genetic engineering techniques, and in providing
diagnostic services to the medical community. Enzo’s Life Sciences
division develops, produces and markets proprietary labeling and
detection products for gene sequencing, genetic analysis and
immunological research among others. Its catalog of over 40,000
products serves the molecular biology, drug discovery and pathology
research markets. The Company's therapeutic division is in various
stages of clinical evaluation of its proprietary immune regulation
medicines for uveitis and Crohn's disease and conducts pre-clinical
research on several candidate compounds aimed at producing new mineral
and organic bone, including technology that could provide therapy for
osteoporosis and fractures, among other applications. Enzo’s Clinical
Labs division provides routine and esoteric reference laboratory
services for physicians in the New York Metropolitan and New Jersey
areas. Underpinning the Company’s technology and operations is an
extensive intellectual property estate in which Enzo owns or licenses
over 230 patents worldwide, and has pending applications for over 200
more. For more information visit the Company’s website www.enzo.com.
Except for historical information, the matters discussed in this news
release may be considered "forward-looking" statements within the
meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and
Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such
statements include declarations regarding the intent, belief or current
expectations of the Company and its management. Investors are cautioned
that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future
performance and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could
materially affect actual results. The Company disclaims any obligations
to update any forward-looking statement as a result of developments
occurring after the date of this press release.
