Headlines
As reported by Genetic Engineering News, October 6, 2005.
Enzo Biochem Says Pre-Clinical Study Suggests Small Molecule Compound Could Spur Bone Growth
Results Presented at Bone and Mineral Research Conference
Enzo Biochem, Inc. (NYSE: ENZ) announced today that pre-clinical experiments conducted with the University of Connecticut Health Center and St. Jude Hospital have identified a promising small molecule that stimulates increased bone mass. A successful compound would have applications in strengthening bones weakened by age or as a consequence of certain medications.
Enzo and collaborators in a paper presented at the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research Conference in Nashville, TN, reported delivery of the candidate IIIC3 to laboratory animals resulted in bone like tissue growth and increases in bone mass. The compound has been shown to block the binding of Dkk1, a factor that interferes with the action of a protein (Wnt) that stimulates increased bone density. This molecule was discovered through use of an innovative combination of structural and molecular biology involving "in silico" virtual screening and biological assays, the paper reported.
Enzo said that while additional laboratory studies remain, a successful compound would have applications in preventing fractures. Researchers from Enzo, the University of Connecticut Health Center and St. Jude Hospital participated in the pre-clinical studies.
As previously reported, Enzo Therapeutics, Inc. entered into agreements with the University of Connecticut Health Center and St. Jude Hospital to license and cooperatively develop novel therapeutics for the stimulation and enhancement of bone formation. The products emanating from this technology could provide therapy for bone disorders, including bone loss, fractures, abnormalities, diseases and other applications. This technology relates to the modulation of signaling pathways in cell development and differentiation by signaling proteins and small molecular compounds or drugs. These proteins and drugs have been shown to act in osteoblasts (the bone forming cells) in their pathway to mature bone cells.
About Enzo
Enzo Biochem is engaged in the research, development and manufacture of innovative health care products based on molecular biology and genetic engineering techniques, and in providing diagnostic services to the medical community. The Company's proprietary labeling and detection products for gene sequencing and genetic analysis are sold to the life sciences market throughout the world. The Company's therapeutic division is in various stages of clinical evaluation of its proprietary gene medicine for HIV-1 infection and its proprietary immune regulation medicines for hepatitis B and hepatitis C infection and for Crohn's Disease. Pre-clinical research is being conducted on several candidate compounds aimed at producing new mineral and organic bone, including technology that could provide therapy for osteoporosis and fractures, among other applications. The Company also holds a patent covering a method and materials for correcting point mutations or small insertions or deletions of genetic material that would allow for editing and correcting certain abnormalities in genes. The Company owns or licenses over 230 patents worldwide. For more information visit our website www.enzo.com.
Except for historical information, the matters discussed in this news release may be considered "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such statements include declarations regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company and its management. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could materially affect actual results. The Company disclaims any obligations to update any forward-looking statement as a result of developments occurring after the date of this press release.