CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 19, 2009--
Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: IDRA) today announced the
presentation of preclinical data from studies of IMO-3100 in combination
with Enbrel (etanercept) in a mouse model of arthritis. IMO-3100, an
antagonist of Toll-like Receptor (TLR) 7 and TLR9, is a lead drug
candidate that Idera is developing for potential applications in
autoimmune diseases. Enbrel is an inhibitor of TNF-alpha currently used
for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The presentation is being
made at the 2009 Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of
Rheumatology and Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals
(ACR/ARHP) being held in Philadelphia, PA, October 17-21.
“The data presented today indicate that the combination of IMO-3100 and
Enbrel was more effective at ameliorating arthritis symptoms in a
commonly used mouse model than was either agent alone,” said Tim
Sullivan, Ph.D., Vice President of Development Programs. “These results
suggest that combining IMO-3100 with Enbrel holds potential as a
combination therapy in rheumatoid arthritis.”
“In addition to the data presented today, we also have observed potent
activity of IMO-3100 in other preclinical models of autoimmune diseases
including lupus and psoriasis. As a TLR antagonist, IMO-3100 provides a
novel mechanism of action relative to other therapeutic approaches to
autoimmune diseases, and we intend to submit an Investigational New Drug
application to FDA by the end of the year,” said Sudhir Agrawal,
D.Phil., Chief Executive Officer and Chief Scientific Officer. “Our
first objective in clinical evaluation of IMO-3100 will be to establish
safety and to demonstrate the mechanism of action.”
Presentation Number 659 entitled “Studies of Combination of IMO-3100, An
Antagonist of TLR7 and TLR9, and Etanercept, a TNF-alpha Inhibitor, in a
Mouse Model of Collagen-Induced Arthritis (CIA)” is being presented by
Idera scientists today at 9:00 a.m. ET. Data from these studies showed
that mice treated with IMO-3100 or Enbrel had lower arthritic scores and
less immunological and histological manifestation of arthritis compared
to untreated mice. Moreover, mice treated with a combination of IMO-3100
and Enbrel had lower arthritic scores, less inflammation, and less bone
pathology as compared to mice treated with either agent alone. The data
also showed that the activity of a low Enbrel dosage was markedly
enhanced when combined with IMO-3100 in this mouse model.
About IMO-3100
IMO-3100 is a DNA-based compound created through extensive
structure-activity relationship studies to function as an antagonist of
Toll-like Receptor (TLR) 7 and TLR9. IMO-3100 has been shown in
preclinical assays to suppress immune responses mediated through TLR7
and TLR9, including induction of interferon-alpha, TNF-alpha, IP-10,
IL-6, and activation of B cells. Studies from independent researchers
have suggested that immune complexes involved in certain autoimmune
diseases trigger inflammatory immune responses mediated through TLR7 and
TLR9. Use of a TLR antagonist to block responses to such immune
complexes may provide a novel mechanism of action for potential
treatment of autoimmune diseases. IMO-3100 has shown potent activity in
mouse models of autoimmune diseases including lupus, rheumatoid
arthritis, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, and colitis. The Company
continues to evaluate IMO-3100 and other TLR antagonists in additional
preclinical models of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
IMO-3100 is a lead drug candidate currently in preclinical development.
Idera anticipates submitting an Investigational New Drug application for
IMO-3100 by the end of 2009.
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 (TLRs),
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 our internal development programs and our
partnered programs, and generates opportunities for additional
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 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 June 30, 2009, which important
factors are incorporated herein by reference. Idera disclaims any
intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements.
Enbrel is a registered trademark of Amgen and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals.
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
