Latest News
-
April 14th, 2009
Novosom publishes Data on novel anti-inflammatory therapeutic approach targeting CD40 >> -
August 26th, 2008
Novosom AG acquires exclusive license from Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. for CD40-targeted antisense inhibitors >>
SMARTICLES®
for nucleic acid delivery
See how our technology works >>
Press Release
Novosom publishes Data on novel anti-inflammatory therapeutic approach targeting CD40
Inflammatory model supports better efficacy compared to TNF antibodies
Halle, Germany – April 14, 2009 – Novosom AG and Bioacademy today announced the publication of data on Smarticles-encapsulated CD40 antisense oligonucleotides. Andreakos et al (Arthritis & Rheumatism, Vol. 60, No.4, April 2009, pp. 994-1005) have shown that amphoteric liposomes are novel carriers for oligonucleotide drugs, enhancing delivery to inflammatory cells. The researchers demonstrated that systemically administered ‘Smarticles®’ achieved safe, targeted delivery, limiting distribution to the inflamed site itself as well as the spleen and the liver. Novosom’s Smarticles® technology enabled the therapeutic administration of second-generation CD40–antisense oligonucleotide, resulting in successful treatment of established arthritis by reducing the disease clinical score, the extent of paw swelling, and the number of joints affected in a collagen-induced arthritis model in mice.
Dr. Vangelis Andreakos of the Bioacademy, said: “This study could not have been more timely. It comes at a time of renewed interest on CD40-CD40L interactions after the identification of CD40 as a major risk factor for the development of rheumatoid arthritis. The current approach avoids the well-recognized limitations to antibody approaches to this target. We report on a safe and effective non-antibody based approach for targeting CD40.”
Dr. Steffen Panzner, Founder and CSO of Novosom also commented: "The publication is certainly a milestone achievement for us, demonstrating the power of combining a highly specific antisense molecule with a targeted delivery system. Using our Smarticles® delivery system we were able to enhance the drug action towards macrophages and dendritic cells while leaving other parts of the immune system untouched.”
Dr. Frank Bennett, Senior Vice President of Research of Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc., added: ”We believe that Novosom’s delivery technology could enhance the concentration of antisense drugs at the sites of inflammation and as a result increase the therapeutic potential of antisense drugs to treat certain inflammatory diseases.”
In August 2008, Novosom AG announced the acquisition of an exclusive, worldwide license from Isis Pharmaceuticals to access certain antisense inhibitors targeting CD40 mRNA for a number of indications. The deal has provided Novosom AG with exclusive, worldwide and sub-licensable access to certain of Isis’ proprietary antisense oligonucleotides targeting CD40 as well as a non-exclusive worldwide and sub-licensable access to certain aspects of Isis’ core technology patents. Elias Papatheodorou, Novosom’s CEO, concluded: “We are excited about the prospects of this innovative approach in human therapeutics.”
About Novosom AG
Novosom is working with its partners to develop unique antisense, DNAi and siRNA based therapeutics with a current focus in inflammation, oncology and liver diseases. Novosom’s Smarticles® liposomal vectors allow partners to deliver their active substance (siRNA, antisense, decoy etc) inside the cell either for topical or systemic applications. Smarticles are an enabler of systemic treatments and an enhancer of topical treatments. The Company has several active therapeutically-relevant collaborations in oncology and inflammation. Novosom AG main investors include IBG Beteiligungsgesellschaft Sachsen-Anhalt mbH and MBG Mittelständische Beteiligungsgesellschaft Sachsen Anhalt.
Novosom AG is based in Halle, Germany. For more information, please visit: www.novosom.com
About Bioacademy
The Biomedical Research Foundation (BRF) of the Academy of Athens is a non-profit institute dedicated to understanding, treating, and preventing human ailments through biomedical research. BRFAA consists of 7 Research Centres (Institutes) and 51 research groups focusing on the study of basic mechanisms of immunology, cell biology, stem cell biology, cancer, metabolic diseases, development and also function of the cardiovascular and nervous systems. BRF seeks to serve science and medicine, and to participate fully in global innovation through its commitment to the true integration of biology, medicine, and informatics.
The Bioacademy is based in Athens, Greece. For more information, please visit: http://www.bioacademy.gr
Contacts
At Novosom AG:
Elias Papatheodorou
Novosom AG
t: +49 (0)345 55 59 836
e: elias.papatheodorou[at]novosom.com
At Bioacademy:
Dr. Evangelos Andreakos
Bioacademy of Athens
t: +30 210 659 7338
e: vandreakos[at]bioacademy.gr
Notes to editors:
CD40
CD40 is a membrane protein that is expressed on the antigen presenting cells (APCs) and facilitates integration of feedback signals from T cells via CD154 and danger signals from Toll-like receptors sitting on the APCs. Such signal integration is key to refine the antigen presentation and results in a straightforward immune response.
Smarticles ®
Novosom’s liposomal formulations, termed SMARTICLES ®, are charge-reversible particles that enable the targeted delivery of oligonucleotides, plasmids and other materials directly into living cells. SMARTICLES ® are stable in blood and distribute in the same manner as conventional liposomes. In contrast to conventional liposomes, however, SMARTICLES ® become positively charged when they cross cell membranes, leading to effective delivery of their cargo within cells. Sites of inflammation and tumors, along with liver and spleen are primary targets for the SMARTICLES ®
Novosom’s Smarticles ® / CD40 antisense combination has achieved targeted delivery that is specific to APCs.
Back