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Updated 8:32 AM ET June 23, 1999
Research published in Nature Neuroscience
HOPKINTON, Mass. (BUSINESS WIRE) - Research published in the scientific
journal Nature Neuroscience indicates that OP-1 (also known as BMP-7), BMP-6
and GDF-7 play key roles in initiating the differentiation of non-committed
neural progenitor cells into functional neurons, Creative BioMolecules, Inc.
(NASDAQ:CBMI) announced today. The study provides additional information on
the role of the Company's proprietary morphogenic proteins in the formation
and function of the central nervous system. Creative is developing
morphogenic protein-based therapies to treat stroke and other neurological
disorders.
"Previous research has strongly implicated certain BMPs in promoting
neurogenesis in the developing spinal cord. The current study extends this
basic principle and indicates that these BMPs are also active in promoting
the formation of key neurons in the central nervous system," commented
Thomas M. Jessell, PhD, a Howard Hughes Investigator and Professor at
Columbia University, and co-author on this paper.
"Our core development programs build upon our knowledge of morphogenic
proteins and the role that they play in tissue formation and repair. This
study provides strong evidence to support the development of therapies to
treat disease and disorders of the central nervous system," added Carl M.
Cohen, PhD, Vice President, Research and Development of Creative
BioMolecules.
In the study, scientists treated undifferentiated neural progenitor cells
with BMP-7, BMP-6 or GDF-7. Exposure to the BMPs initiated a process which
lead to the cells' differentiation into functional neurons. Moreover, the
BMP activated progenitor cells gave rise to functional neurons when
transplanted into young mice.
The paper, entitled Generation of cerebellar granule neurons in vivo by
transplantation of BMP-treated neural progenitor cells, was submitted by
researchers at Rockerfeller University's Laboratory of Developmental
Neurobiology and Columbia University's Department of Biochemistry and
Molecular Biophysics. The research was published in the June 1999 edition of
Nature Neuroscience.
Previous research published by Creative and its collaborators has shown the
ability of OP-1 to induce the formation of functional dendrites on neurons.
The Company is currently conducting preclinical studies in the areas of
stroke recovery, Parkinson's disease, traumatic brain injury and other
neurological disorders.
Creative BioMolecules is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the
development of therapies for human tissue regeneration. The Company's core
technologies are based on its understanding of the role that morphogenic
proteins play in human biology. These proteins are involved in the
initiation and regulation of the cellular events responsible for the
formation of human tissues and organs. Having completed development of its
first product candidate, for use in orthopaedic and dental reconstruction,
Creative is now pursuing applications for morphogenic proteins in the areas
of stroke recovery, chronic renal failure, and the treatment of chronic
neurological disorders.
This news release includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and
uncertainties. Factors which could cause actual results to differ from the
Company's expectations include, without limitation, the course of the
research and development programs, including preclinical demonstration of
safety and efficacy in the neurology field, achievement of development and
regulatory milestones by the Company and completion of clinical testing, the
impact of competitive products, the timely receipt of regulatory clearances
required for clinical testing, manufacturing and marketing of products and
the other risks, and uncertainties detailed from time to time in the
Company's periodic reports.
NOTE: Creative BioMolecules' news releases are available on the Internet at
http://www.creativebio.com.
Contact: Creative BioMolecules, Inc. Karla MacDonald, 617/912-2953 Manager,
Corporate Communications