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news.DNAPrint Genomics' development of commercial grade PT-401, a more powerful form of the anemia drug erythropoietin, is said to be proceeding on schedule with the manufacturing of PT-401 in mammalian cells being shown to be very efficient.
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According to the company, erythropoietin (EPO) has a worldwide market exceeding $11 billion and is growing at an average annual rate of 18% for the past five years.
“Based on these results, research is on schedule for our first pharmaceutical product,” stated Dr Hector Gomez, chairman and chief medical officer of DNAPrint Genomics. “Tests of our Super EPO dimer in animal models of anemia showed that it was several times more effective and longer acting than the currently available erythropoietin.”
In vitro testing in cell cultures revealed significant positive biological activity shown by marked growth stimulation of target mammalian blood cells, either attached to solid surfaces or growing in suspension, according to Dr Gomez.
In addition, in vivo testing in mice demonstrated that even with a single injection, robust stimulation of red blood cell production was produced as assessed by an increase in the number and volume of blood cells. Further analytical testing showed that the dimer exhibits unique biochemical properties that distinguish it from currently marketed red blood cell growth stimulating drugs.