Guilford Awarded Four U.S. Patents for Neuroscience Programs; Patents Relate
to Novel Compounds for Nerve Regeneration and Neuroprotection
BALTIMORE, May 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Guilford Pharmaceuticals Inc.
(Nasdaq: GLFD) today announced that the Company has been issued four U.S.
patents relating to discoveries in its neuroimmunophilin ligand and NAALADase
inhibitor programs. Both programs represent novel approaches in the potential
treatment of acute and chronic neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's
disease, Alzheimer's disease, ALS, stroke and peripheral neuropathies.
Neuroimmunophilin ligands are a novel class of small molecule orally
active agents which, in animal models, have demonstrated an ability to
regenerate nerves damaged by injury or disease, without any apparent effect on
normal healthy nerves.
The newly issued patents relating to neuroimmunophilin ligands include
U.S. Patent No. 5,859,031, entitled "Small Molecule Inhibitors of Rotamase
Enzyme Activity" and U.S. Patent No. 5,874,449 entitled "N-Linked Sulfonamides
of Heterocyclic Thioesters." The patents claim protection for
FKBP-neuroimmunophilin ligands and their pharmaceutical compositions useful in
treating and preventing neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease and
Alzheimer's disease, and others.
In August 1997, Guilford entered into an exclusive worldwide collaboration
with Amgen Inc. to develop and commercialize neuroimmunophilin ligands for up
to ten specified indications, including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's
disease and multiple sclerosis.
With these new patent issuances, Guilford and Amgen now own or have
exclusive rights to a total of fifteen issued U.S. patents relating to
neuroimmunophilin ligands and their neurotrophic or other neurological uses,
and dozens of U.S. patent applications, along with corresponding international
filings, in the field.
"Neuroimmunophilin ligands represent a promising new field of research.
If they prove safe and effective, they may revolutionize the treatment of
neurodegenerative diseases. Because of this potential, we have always sought
as strong an intellectual property estate as possible in this field. We are
very pleased with the progress to date, and with Amgen's full support in
securing broad intellectual property protection for this important
technology," remarked Dr. Craig R. Smith, President and Chief Executive
Officer of Guilford Pharmaceuticals.
In addition to the FKBP-neuroimmunophilin program, Guilford has three
neuroprotectant programs in development focusing on distinct intervention
points in a complex biochemical pathway which ultimately leads to cell damage
and death. One of Guilford's major neuroprotectant programs explores the use
of novel small molecule enzyme inhibitors called NAALADase inhibitors.
NAALADase inhibition represents a novel approach to blocking the pre-synaptic
release of excessive glutamate without interfering with normal glutamate
function. Excessive glutamate production has been implicated in multiple
chronic and acute degenerative disorders including, chronic pain, peripheral
neuropathy, stroke, head trauma, spinal cord trauma, Parkinson's disease, and
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Moreover, experiments performed by
Guilford have also shown that NAALADase inhibitors may inhibit the growth of
prostate cancer cells.
The newly issued NAALADase patents include U.S. Patent No. 5,863,536,
entitled "Phosphoramidate Derivatives," and U.S. Patent No. 5,880,112,
entitled "NAALADase Inhibitors." These patents relate to small molecule
NAALADase inhibitors useful for the treatment of glutamate abnormalities and
prostate cancer. With these issuances Guilford now owns or has rights to
6 issued U.S. patents and numerous U.S. and international patent applications.
"The pursuit of a comprehensive intellectual property portfolio is a core
part of our effort to build a strong neuroscience franchise," remarked Dr.
Smith. "The receipt of these additional patents in our NAALADase program
further strengthens our proprietary position in this field and enhances our
licensing and commercial prospects."
Guilford Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company engaged in
the development of polymer-based therapeutics for cancer, and novel products
for the diagnosis and treatment of neurological diseases, including
Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, stroke, severe head trauma, spinal
cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, peripheral neuropathies, and cocaine
addiction.
Internet Address: http://www.guilfordpharm.com
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This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risk
and uncertainties, including those described in the section entitled "Risk
Factors" contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 1998, on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
that could cause the Company's actual results and experience to differ
materially from anticipated results and expectations expressed in these
forward-looking statements. In particular, there can be no assurance that the
Company or any of its corporate collaborators will ultimately be able to
successfully develop product candidates into safe and effective FDA-cleared
drugs. Furthermore, the patentability, scope, validity, priority,
enforceability, and non-infringement of claims made in patents granted to and
patent applications filed by the Company in the U.S. and abroad cannot be
assured.
SOURCE Guilford Pharmaceuticals Inc.
CO: Guilford Pharmaceuticals Inc.
ST: Maryland
IN: MTC
SU:
05/03/99 13:39 EDT http://www.prnewswire.com