LONDON, Oct. 7 — Morria Biopharmaceuticals Plc, a
biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel
anti-inflammatory drugs, announced today the results of the ongoing
screening of its novel anti-inflammatory drugs using MD Biosciences’
Immunoprofiler(TM) in vitro screening service. The screen was specifically
chosen to identify and assess the anti-inflammatory properties of Morria’s
proprietary multi-functional anti-inflammatory compounds. The
Immunoprofiler(TM) Screen uses rat macrophage cells which are stimulated
using endotoxin (LPS), a potent inflammation-inducing agent. The assay
measures key inflammatory mediators, which are released by the stimulated
cells. A steroid comparator is included as a positive control.
Morria’s lead compounds significantly reduced the levels of the
following inflammatory mediators: GM-CSF (Granulocyte Macrophage
Colony-Stimulating Factor), IL-1 beta, IL-6, TNF-alpha (Tumor Necrosis
Factor alpha), MIP-1 alpha (Macrophage Inflammatory Protein 1 alpha), MCP-1
(Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1), IP-10 (Inducible Protein 10) and
PGE-2 (Prostaglandin E-2). Cell proliferation assay (XTT reduction)
demonstrated that these effects were not caused by cytotoxicity. The
anti-inflammatory efficacy was comparable or better than the steroid
control in each case.
“We are pleased by the wide range of divergent inflammatory mediators
that we are modulating, several of which have been extensively covered in
the scientific literature recently. Mediators, such as IL-6, IL-8 and
TNF-alpha, are currently targets of research and development in the
pharmaceutical field, and our synthetic compounds clearly modulate them
efficiently,” said Yuval Cohen, President of Morria Biopharmaceuticals.
Specifically, several of the inflammatory mediators assayed have been
identified as important players in Morria’s current clinical programs
(allergic rhinitis and dermatitis) and pre-clinical programs (asthma,
Inflammatory bowel disease [IBD], ophthalmology and cystic fibrosis) and
also offer insights into potentially new pharmaceutical applications.
ABOUT MORRIA BIOPHARMACEUTICALS Plc
Morria Biopharmaceuticals Plc is a biopharmaceutical company focused on
the development of novel anti-inflammatory pharmaceuticals termed
multi-functional anti-inflammatory drugs (MFAIDs). This class of drugs
uniquely combines two promising approaches to preventing and reversing
inflammation: first, they control the phospholipase A2 (PLA2) enzyme
family, a known, but previously elusive anti-inflammatory drug target. At
the same time, they also protect cells and tissues against inflammatory
damage. Morria is determined to become a pivotal player in the $20 billion
anti-inflammatory drug market by developing and commercializing novel drugs
for acute pulmonary and gastro-intestinal inflammatory diseases. For more
information, please visit http://www.morria.com .
This is not an invitation nor is it an offer to purchase or subscribe
for shares. This release is only intended for persons falling within the
exception set out in regulation 47 of the Financial Promotion order –
Persons in the business of disseminating information.
Contacts:
Richard Lewis Communications, Inc.
212-827-0020
Cecelia Heer, Investors
cheer@rlcinc.com
Timothy Rathschmidt, Media
trathschmidt@rlcinc.com
SOURCE Morria Biopharmaceuticals Plc