CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May. 11, 2009--
Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: IDRA) today announced the
presentation of data from a preclinical study of antagonist effects of
IMO-3100 on gene expression profiles induced by ligands of specific
Toll-like Receptors (TLRs). The presentation entitled “IMO-3100, an
Antagonist of Toll-like Receptors 7 and 9, Modulates Gene Expression and
Regulatory Networks Induced by Ligands” was given by Idera scientists
during the Autoimmunity session at the 2009 Annual Meeting of The
American Association of Immunologists being held in Seattle, WAMay
8-12, 2009. IMO-3100 is the Company’s lead TLR7 and TLR9 antagonist drug
candidate for potential application in autoimmune diseases.
The study evaluated expression of over 400 genes in human peripheral
blood mononuclear cells in response to a ligand of TLR9, a dual ligand
of TLR7/TLR8, and IMO-3100. IMO-3100 alone had minimal modulation of
gene expression, whereas the TLR9 and the TLR7/TLR8 ligands each
produced unique patterns of gene expression. IMO-3100 inhibited TLR
ligand-induced increases in the expression of key immune response genes
such as TNF-α, IFN-α, IL-17, and IP-10.
“The gene expression profile data showing antagonist activity of
IMO-3100 with ligands of different TLRs help us identify potential
markers for use in future clinical studies in autoimmune disease,” said
Tim Sullivan, Ph.D., Vice President of Development Programs. “We
currently are conducting preclinical development studies to support the
filing of an Investigational New Drug application for IMO-3100 by the
end of 2009.”
About IMO-3100
IMO-3100 is a Toll-like Receptor 7 (TLR7) and TLR9 antagonist drug
candidate currently undergoing preclinical development studies for an
intended Investigational New Drug application. Idera’s antagonists of
TLRs, such as IMO-3100, are based on synthetic DNA and have been created
through extensive structure-activity relationship studies. IMO-3100 has
been shown in preclinical assays to suppress immune responses mediated
through TLR7 and TLR9. The Company has studied IMO-3100 in preclinical
models of lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis,
and colitis. The Company is also evaluating IMO-3100 and other TLR
antagonists in additional preclinical models of autoimmune and
inflammatory diseases.
About Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Idera Pharmaceuticals develops drug candidates to treat infectious
diseases, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, cancer, and respiratory
diseases, and for use as vaccine adjuvants. Our proprietary drug
candidates are designed to modulate specific Toll-like Receptors, which
are a family of immune system receptors that direct immune system
responses. Our pioneering DNA and RNA chemistry expertise enables us to
create drug candidates for internal development and generates
opportunities for multiple collaborative alliances. For more
information, visit www.iderapharma.com.
Idera Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning Idera
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. that involve a number of risks and uncertainties.
For this purpose, any statements contained herein that are not
statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking
statements. Without limiting the foregoing, the words "believes,"
"anticipates," "plans," "expects," "estimates," "intends," "should,"
"could," "will," "may," and similar expressions are intended to identify
forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that
could cause Idera's actual results to differ materially from those
indicated by such forward-looking statements, including whether results
obtained in preclinical studies such as the studies referred to above
will be indicative of results obtained in future clinical trials;
whether products based on Idera's technology will advance into or
through the clinical trial process on a timely basis or at all and
receive approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration or
equivalent foreign regulatory agencies; whether, if the Company's
products receive approval, they will be successfully distributed and
marketed; whether the Company's collaborations with Novartis, Merck &
Co., and Merck KGaA will be successful; whether the patents and patent
applications owned or licensed by the Company will protect the Company’s
technology and prevent others from infringing it; whether Idera's cash
resources will be sufficient to fund the Company's operations; and such
other important factors as are set forth under the caption "Risk
Factors" in Idera's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months
ended March 31, 2009, which important factors are incorporated herein by
reference. Idera disclaims any intention or obligation to update any
forward-looking statements.
Source: Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Kelly Luethje, 617-679-5519
kluethje@iderapharma.com
or
MacDougall
Biomedical Communications
Chris Erdman, 781-235-3060
cerdman@macbiocom.com
