Prolor Biotech Inc. (AMEX: PBTH; TASE: PBTH) today reported positive results in a comparative study of its longer-acting version of the hemophilia drug Factor VIIa, Factor VIIa-CTP drug, in a preclinical trial in mice. The study is examining the potential increase in survival rates, thrombin levels and in vivo recovery of Factor VIIa-CTP when compared with commercially available recombinant Factor VIIa.
The study found that the mice which received Factor VIIa-CTP showed a superior survival rate over a longer time period following a bleeding challenge, superior and longer-lasting generation of thrombin, a key pro-clotting enzyme, and significantly higher in vivo recovery.
Prolor previously reported that Factor VIIa-CTP had increased half life and clotting activity compared with Factor VIIa.
Prolor president Shai Novik said, "The results of our second Factor VIIa-CTP preclinical study are consistent with the results we obtained from the previous study, and we believe they are very promising. With these positive results, we now have what we believe could be a highly competitive coagulation factor that could potentially become a leader in the hemophilia market."
Prolor CEO Dr. Abraham Havron said, "The fact that our CTP technology has now demonstrated its efficacy in enhancing the longevity of Factor VIIa and Factor IX, which are both enzymes, is another confirmation of the ability of this technology to prolong the biological activity of a variety of therapeutic proteins belonging to different functional families."
Prolor's CTP technology is designed to develop longer-acting proprietary versions of already approved therapeutic proteins that currently generate billions of dollars in annual global sales. The company is due to begin a Phase III clinical trial of its long-acting version of human growth hormone. It is developing long-acting versions of Factor VIIa and Factor IX for hemophilia, a GLP-1/Glucagon peptide for diabetes and obesity, and products for atherosclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. All these products are in preclinical development.
Prolor's share price rose 4.7% by mid-afternoon on the TASE today to NIS 24.80, and is up 2% in premarket trading on Nasdaq to $6,65, giving a market cap of $355 million.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on February 14, 2012
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