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Oncothyreon';s PX-866 is effective in preclinical model of pulmonary fibrosis

^{Published on 2009-05-18 13:17:12, Last Modified on 2009-05-18 13:18:43 - Market Wire}
 

 SEATTLE, May 18 /CNW/ - Oncothyreon Inc. (Nasdaq: ONTY) (TSX: ONY) today announced the presentation of data demonstrating the effectiveness of Oncothyreon's PX-866 in a preclinical model of pulmonary fibrosis. The data were presented earlier today by William D. Hardie, M.D., Associate Professor, Pulmonary Medicine, Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, at the American Thoracic Society International Conference in San Diego, California. PX-866 is a small molecule inhibitor of phosphotidylinositol-3 kinase ("PI-3 kinase"), a key point of control of cellular responses including signaling of cell survival and growth, migration and metabolism. "PI-3 kinase is part of a signaling pathway that is believed to play an important role in a number of human diseases that cause fibrosis, or scarring, of the lungs," said Dr. Hardie. "Our model in mice mimics these diseases by activating this pathway in the lungs with a growth factor called transforming growth factor alpha. PX-866 prevented both the deterioration in lung function and the fibrosis normally seen in the model. These results suggest that inhibition of the PI-3 kinase pathway might be beneficial in such human lung diseases as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis." "Although our current development program for PX-866 is focused on cancer, we are very interested in the role the PI-3 kinase pathway is thought to play in non-malignant diseases, including autoimmune and cardiovascular diseases," said Robert L. Kirkman, M.D., President and CEO of Oncothyreon. "We are pleased that Dr. Hardie plans further studies of PX-866 in pulmonary disease." Oncothyreon is currently conducting a Phase 1 trial of PX-866 in patients with advanced metastatic cancer. Preliminary data from this trial are expected to be presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting later this month in Orlando, Florida. About PX-866 PX-866 is an inhibitor of the PI-3-kinase/PTEN/AKT pathway, an important survival signaling pathway that is activated in many types of human cancer. Aberrant activation and regulation of PI-3 kinase is implicated in a large proportion of human cancers including breast, glioma, colon, ovarian, prostate and melanoma, where it leads to increased proliferation and inhibition of apoptosis (programmed cell death). PX-866 has been shown to induce prolonged inhibition of tumor PI-3 kinase signaling following both oral and intravenous administration. The compound has been shown to have anti-tumor activity both as a single agent and in combination with other agents in a number of human tumor models. Oncothyreon initiated a Phase 1 trial of PX-866 in patients with advanced metastatic cancer in June 2008. About Oncothyreon Oncothyreon is a biotechnology company specializing in the development of innovative therapeutic products for the treatment of cancer. Oncothyreon's goal is to develop and commercialize novel synthetic vaccines and targeted small molecules that have the potential to improve the lives and outcomes of cancer patients. For more information, visit [ www.oncothyreon.com ]. Forward-Looking Statements In order to provide Oncothyreon's investors with an understanding of its current intentions and future prospects, this release contains statements that are forward-looking, including statements related to future preclinical and clinical development plans for PX PX-866. These forward-looking statements represent Oncothyreon's intentions, plans, expectations and beliefs and are based on its management's experience and assessment of historical and future trends and the application of key assumptions relating to future events and circumstances. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including risks and uncertainties related to Oncothyreon's business and the general economic environment. Many of these risks and uncertainties are beyond Oncothyreon's control. These risks, uncertainties and other factors could cause our actual results to differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements. Risks, uncertainties, and assumptions include those predicting the timing, duration and results of clinical trials, the timing and results of regulatory reviews, the safety and efficacy of PX-866, and the indications for which PX-866 might be developed. There can be no guarantee that the results of preclinical studies will be predictive of either safety or efficacy in future clinical trials. These and other risks and uncertainties are described in the reports and other documents filed by Oncothyreon Inc. with the SEC and/or Canadian regulatory authorities. Although Oncothyreon believes that any forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, it can give no assurance that its expectations are correct. All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. For a detailed description of the risks and uncertainties associated with Oncothyreon, you are encouraged to review the official corporate documents filed with the securities regulators in the United States on U.S. EDGAR and in Canada on SEDAR. Oncothyreon is under no obligation to (and expressly disclaims any such obligation to) update or alter its forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. 

For further information: Investor and Media Relations Contact: Julie Rathbun, Rathbun Communications, (206) 769-9219, [ ir@oncothyreon.com ]