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Novelos Therapeutics and Academic Collaborators Present Posters at 2008 AACR Tumor Immunology Conference

^{Published on 2008-12-04 08:47:20 - Market Wire}
 

NEWTON, Mass.--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--Novelos Therapeutics, Inc. (OTCBB: NVLT), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of therapeutics to treat cancer and hepatitis, announced that today Novelos is presenting two scientific posters, based on collaborations with Dr. Marcela Diaz-Montero of the University of Miami Sylvester Cancer Center and with Dr. Mark Poznansky of the Massachusetts General Hospital, affiliated with Dana Farber Cancer Institute/Harvard Cancer Center, at the ongoing American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Tumor Immunology Conference in Miami, FL. These two presentations will report findings in animal model systems that demonstrate the ability of NOV-002 to influence immune responsiveness in the context of chemotherapy-induced immune suppression and an animal tumor model. An abstract of each poster presentation will also be published in the conference proceedings. NOV-002 is the subject of an ongoing pivotal Phase 3 trial for non-small cell lung cancer under a Special Protocol Assessment (SPA) and Fast Track, and NOV-002 has demonstrated positive results in Phase 2 trials for other cancer indications.

Downregulation of T cell activity by cyclophosphamide-induced myeloid derived suppressor cells is reversed by the glutathione disulfide-mimetic NOV-002. Dr. Diaz-Montero will present data showing that NOV-002 treatment of mice reversed the suppression of tumor antigen-specific T-cell activation by myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSC) generated after administration of cytotoxic chemotherapy (cyclophosphamide).

Positive immunomodulatory effects of NOV-002, an oxidized glutathione mimetic, in a murine model of ovarian cancer. Dr. Poznansky's presentation of results from a mouse genetic model of ovarian cancer will demonstrate that treatment of mice with NOV-002 resulted in increased infiltration of memory T-cells into the tumor, and that splenocytes from these mice showed a higher level of immune reactivity (higher IFN-gamma production) when challenged with tumor antigens.

"Data from multiple animal models now suggest that NOV-002 enhances anti-tumor immune responsiveness in vivo," said Christopher Pazoles, Ph.D., Vice President of Research & Development of Novelos. "The findings being presented at the AACR conference support the hypothesis that the increased efficacy (e.g. improved survival or anti-tumor response) seen in prior clinical trials when NOV-002 is added to standard chemotherapy may, at least in part, reflect such immunomodulation."

The posters are available at [ www.novelos.com ]‘Our Products', ‘NOV-002' section.

About Novelos Therapeutics, Inc.

Novelos Therapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company commercializing oxidized glutathione-based compounds for the treatment of cancer and hepatitis. NOV-002, the lead compound currently in Phase 3 development for lung cancer under a SPA and Fast Track, acts together with chemotherapy as a chemoprotectant and a chemopotentiator. NOV-002 is also in Phase 2 development for chemotherapy-resistant ovarian cancer and early-stage breast cancer. NOV-205 acts as a hepatoprotective agent with immunomodulating and anti-inflammatory properties. NOV-205 is in Phase 1b development for chronic hepatitis C non-responders. Both compounds have completed clinical trials in humans and have been approved for use in the Russian Federation where they were originally developed. For additional information about Novelos please visit [ www.novelos.com ]

Novelos Therapeutics, Inc.

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Newton, MA 02458

This news release contains forward-looking statements. Such statements are valid only as of today, and we disclaim any obligation to update this information. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual future experience and results to differ materially from the statements made. These statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations as to such future outcomes. Drug discovery and development involve a high degree of risk. Factors that might cause such a material difference include, among others, uncertainties related to the ability to attract and retain partners for our technologies, the identification of lead compounds, the successful preclinical development thereof, the completion of clinical trials, the FDA review process and other government regulation, our pharmaceutical collaborators' ability to successfully develop and commercialize drug candidates, competition from other pharmaceutical companies, product pricing and third-party reimbursement.