Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: IDRA) today announced that presentations from studies evaluating its novel Toll-like Receptor (TLR) antagonist candidates in preclinical models of lung inflammation and psoriasis were made at the Federation of Clinical Immunology Societies (FOCIS) 2008 Annual Meeting held in Boston, MA, June 5-9.
- Study # OR.53 Prevention and Treatment of Ovalbumin-induced Inflammation in Mice with Toll-like Receptor Antagonists was presented orally Saturday, June 7, 4:15 “ 4:30PM (EDT) during session #2401: New Therapeutic Approaches.
- Study # Su.50 A Toll-like Receptor Antagonist Prevents Development of IL-23-induced Psoriasis-like Dermal Changes in Mice was presented during a poster session Sunday, June 8, 12:00 “ 8:00PM (EDT).
Our TLR antagonist candidates have demonstrated activity in a broad range of preclinical autoimmune disease models including lupus, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis, and in preclinical models of lung inflammation, commented Sudhir Agrawal, D. Phil., Chief Executive Officer and Chief Scientific Officer. During 2008 we plan to form an Autoimmune Disease Scientific Advisory Board, define the clinical development strategy for a lead TLR antagonist candidate for autoimmune diseases, and initiate studies to support a planned Investigational New Drug Application for the lead candidate.
In study ID # OR.53, the Company evaluated a TLR antagonist candidate for its anti-inflammatory activity in ovalbumin (OVA)-induced lung inflammation in mice. Antagonist-treated mice showed significant reductions in parameters of inflammatory response, including production of IL-5, IL-13, IgE, and decreased numbers of inflammatory cells and mucin secreting cells in the lungs compared to mice treated with OVA alone. The results of the study suggest that TLR antagonists may have potential in the treatment of lung inflammatory diseases.
In study ID # Su.50, a TLR antagonist candidate was evaluated in a mouse model of psoriasis induced by administration of recombinant murine IL-23. Mice treated with a TLR antagonist showed dose-dependent reductions in markers of IL-23-induced psoriasis, including epidermal hyperplasia, inflammatory cell infiltration, and IL-6 induction in dermal tissues, compared to mice treated with IL-23 alone.
About Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Idera Pharmaceuticals develops drug candidates to treat infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases, cancer, and respiratory diseases, and for use as vaccine adjuvants. Our proprietary drug candidates are designed to modulate specific Toll-like Receptors, which are a family of immune system receptors that direct immune system responses. Our pioneering DNA and RNA chemistry expertise enables us to create drug candidates for internal development and generates opportunities for multiple collaborative alliances. For more information, visit www.iderapharma.com.
Idera Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. For this purpose, any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Without limiting the foregoing, the words “believes,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “expects,” “estimates,” “intends,” “should,” “could,” “will,” “may,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause Idera’s actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including whether results obtained in early clinical studies or in preclinical studies such as the studies referred to above will be indicative of results obtained in future clinical trials or warrant additional trials; whether products based on Idera’s technology will advance into or through the clinical trial process on a timely basis or at all and receive approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration or equivalent foreign regulatory agencies; whether, if the Company’s products receive approval, they will be successfully distributed and marketed; whether the patents and patent applications owned or licensed by the Company will protect the Company™s technology and prevent others from infringing it; whether Idera’s cash resources will be sufficient to fund the Company’s operations; and such other important factors as are set forth under the caption “Risk Factors” in Idera’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 12, 2008, which important factors are incorporated herein by reference. Idera disclaims any intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Kelly Luethje, 617-679-5519
kluethje@iderapharma.com
or
MacDougall Biomedical Communications
Chris Erdman, 781-235-3060
cerdman@macbiocom.com