SAN ANTONIO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- GenSpera, Inc. (OTCBB: GNSZ) announced that its patent application, entitled “Tissue Specific Prodrugs,” has been issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) as US Patent 7,767,648. The patent covers the method of use for G-202, GenSpera’s lead oncology drug, which is currently in a Phase I clinical study treating cancer patients whose disease has progressed after other treatments.
“The issuance of this patent complements our previously issued composition of matter patent for G-202 and demonstrates our commitment to building a secure IP portfolio for GenSpera,” commented Dr. Craig Dionne, Ph.D., GenSpera CEO and President.
G-202 is a prodrug that is selectively activated within tumors by an enzyme present on the tumor blood vessels. In preclinical testing, G-202 was shown to ablate tumors in animal models of breast cancer, prostate cancer and kidney cancer. GenSpera, Inc. owns and controls all rights to G-202 and anticipates a strategic partnership to maximize the value of the drug as it progresses through future clinical trials.
About GenSpera:
GenSpera, Inc. is a development stage oncology company focused on therapeutics that deliver a potent, unique and patented drug directly to tumors. GenSpera’s technology platform combines a potent, plant-derived cytotoxin (thapsigargin) with a prodrug delivery system that releases the drug only within the tumor. Unlike standard cancer drugs, thapsigargin kills cells independent of their division rate, thus making it effective at killing all fast- and slow-growing cancers and cancer stem cells. GenSpera’s prodrug platform is the subject of seven issued patents with four additional patents pending.
In early 2010, GenSpera initiated a Phase I clinical trial targeting solid tumor cancers with its lead drug, G-202, at Johns Hopkins University and the University of Wisconsin. The Company anticipates completion of Phase I trials in Q2 2011. Upon successful completion of its Phase I trial, GenSpera expects to initiate multiple Phase II trials for G-202 in several different types of cancer. The company’s second drug, G-115, will directly target prostate cancer. The Company anticipates filing an application to commence Phase I trials of G-115 in Q3 2011.
GenSpera is also developing a cancer imaging platform, derived from thapsigargin, the active ingredient in its therapeutic drugs, coupled with its patented tumor-targeted delivery system.
For more information, please visit the Company’s website: www.genspera.com.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information:
This news release may contain forward-looking statements made pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors are cautioned that such forward-looking statements in this press release regarding potential applications of GenSpera’s technologies constitute forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, risks inherent in the development and commercialization of potential products, uncertainty of clinical trial results or regulatory approvals or clearances, need for future capital, dependence upon collaborators and maintenance of our intellectual property rights. Actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements. Additional information on potential factors that could affect our results and other risks and uncertainties will be detailed from time to time in GenSpera’s periodic reports.
CONTACT:
Company:
GenSpera, Inc.
Craig Dionne, Ph.D., CEO, 210-479-8112
or
Investors:
The Verrazano Group
Steve Chizzik, 908-688-9111
or
Media:
Planet Communications
Deanne Eagle, 917-837-5866
KEYWORDS: United States North America Texas
INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Health Clinical Trials Oncology Pharmaceutical
MEDIA:
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