BiPar Genomic Biomarker Data Demonstrate Overexpression of PARP1 Gene in Multiple Cancer Types
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Oct. 25, 2007 — BiPar Sciences, Inc., a privately held biopharmaceutical company developing novel cancer therapies, today announced molecular biomarker data demonstrating the overexpression of the PARP (poly-ADP-ribose polymerase) protein in multiple cancers, including ovarian, breast and lung tumors. The research is the first demonstration of PARP overexpression in specific types of cancer. This insight is being used to guide the clinical development of the company's pipeline of PARP inhibitor candidates.
The results were presented at the American Association for Cancer Research-National Cancer Institute-European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (AACR-NCI-EORTC) International Conference on "Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics" in San Francisco.
"These results allow us to focus our clinical development plan for BSI-201 by targeting tumor types that have the greatest probability of clinical success," said BiPar Executive Vice President Barry Sherman, M.D.
BiPar researchers used the Gene Logic Inc. (Nasdaq: GLGC) BioExpress® System database to analyze PARP1 gene expression in all types of primary human cancer and compared the results to normal counterpart tissue. PARP expression was above the 95 percent upper confidence limit for normal tissue in ovarian cancer, intraductal breast cancer, lung cancer and uterine cancer. In contrast, prostate tumor tissue showed minimal PARP overexpression.
BSI-201 has been tested as both monotherapy and in combination with standard therapy in Phase 1 studies in patients with solid tumors. BiPar is preparing to initiate Phase 1b and Phase 2 trials of BSI-201 in several specific tumor types guided largely by gene expression data.
About PARP
PARP1 plays a central role in cell proliferation and in DNA repair. BiPar's novel, proprietary PARP inhibitors are a new generation of drug candidates that show promising activity and a favorable toxicity profile. Preclinical studies suggest the drugs selectively inhibit cell proliferation and are active against a broad range of tumor types.
BioExpress® is a registered trademark of Gene Logic Inc.
About BiPar Sciences
BiPar Sciences Inc. (www.biparsciences.com) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing and commercializing a pipeline of novel, tumor-selective drugs designed to meet the significant unmet needs of cancer patients.
Contact:
Eric Malek
Vice President, Corporate Development
650-635-0165
emalek@biparsciences.com
Brian Reid
WeissComm Partners
703-402-3626
breid@wcpglobal.com for BiPar Sciences