AstraZeneca oncology pipeline featured at AACR 2000 meeting

ASTRAZENECA ONCOLOGY PIPELINE FEATURED AT AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF CANCER RESEARCH (AACR) 2000 MEETING Novel approaches to selectively targeting the processes that make cancer cells grow are being prominently featured at this week's American Association of Cancer Research meeting in San Francisco, USA. Three of these 'novel approach' compounds ZD1839 ('Iressa'), ZD6467 and ZD6126, all products of the innovative research and in-licensing programme at AstraZeneca, will be featured. Most of the novel approach compounds currently in development aim to provide improved treatment for common solid tumours including colorectal, ovarian, gastric, and lung cancers. These novel compounds are anticipated to drive a revolution in cancer therapy which will see this market sector grow significantly. Dr George Blackledge, Medical Director of Oncology at AstraZeneca, confirmed that leadership in the development of 'novel approach' compounds is a key goal for the company. 'AstraZeneca spent $ 280 million in 1999 on the discovery and development of new treatments for cancer. We firmly believe that novel approach compounds will change the way cancer is managed in the next decade and we aim to drive that change for the better through in-licensing and continued investment in the type of innovative research programmes that are already producing promising compounds like those featured at AACR. I believe our growth ambitions for being NO.1 in Oncology, our strong R&D pipeline and current portfolio make us an ideal licensing partner'. 'Iressa' (ZD1839) is an orally active compound which selectively blocks the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR)-mediated intracellular signalling pathways which are implicated in cancer cell growth and survival. The research results from a number of pre-clinical studies presented this week confirm 'Iressa's' promising activity in a broad spectrum of tumour types, both as monotherapy and in combination with commonly used cytotoxic agents. 'Iressa' will be entering Phase III clinical studies in advanced non-small cell lung cancer later this year. Cont... Also targeting the signalling pathways that drive cancer cell proliferation and tumour growth is AstraZeneca's development compound ZD6474. When solid tumours grow, their cells send a chemical message to nearby blood vessels causing new blood vessels to grow into the tumour, supplying the cancer cells with the blood's oxygen and nutrients and fuelling tumour growth. This process, called angiogenesis, is believed to be initiated by Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). ZD6474 prevents the angiogenesis message getting through by blocking the activity of the receptor that binds with VEGF. Pre-clinical studies are now showing that tumour growth in a wide range of human tumour models can be severely restricted by preventing VEGF signalling with ZD6474, with the greatest effects being produced in the largest tumours. ZD6474's anti-angiogenic activity will be further explored in a clinical trial programme later this year. Blocking the activity of the VEGF receptor is not the only strategy for preventing a tumour establishing a blood supply. ZD6126, a product of AstraZeneca's in-licensing programme, is designed to selectively target and disrupt tumour blood vessels and is also showing promise in the laboratory. ZD6126 causes the vessels to block - preventing the blood supply from reaching malignant cells. ZD6126 pre-clinical data presented at AACR shows that the compound causes massive tumour necrosis in a range of human tumour models, suggesting the potential for broad anti-tumour activity. Research into other types of oncology treatment continues to be a priority at AstraZeneca, Dr Blackledge explained, 'We should not forget that cytotoxic chemotherapy will also be an important component of future treatment, perhaps in combination with these novel compounds. Much can still be done to improve the efficacy and tolerability of cytotoxic therapy and to overcome the problems of tumour resistance that so often occur in current practice. AstraZeneca continues to invest in this area and is bringing two important new compounds, ZD9331 and ZD0473 which will address the need for improved cytotoxic treatment options through into clinical trial programmes this year.' AstraZeneca's current anti-cancer therapies also include 'Nolvadex' (tamoxifen citrate); 'Arimidex' (anastrozole); 'Zoladex' (goserelin acetate); 'Casodex' (biclutamide) and 'Tomudex' (raltitrexed). ICI182,780 ('Faslodex') an estrogen receptor down-regulator for potential use in breast cancer is at an advanced stage of clinical development, with Regulatory submissions planned for later in the year. AstraZeneca is a major international healthcare business engaged in the research, development, manufacture and marketing of ethical (prescription) pharmaceuticals and the supply of healthcare services. It is one of the top five pharmaceutical companies worldwide with healthcare sales of $15 billion and leading positions in sales of gastroenterology, oncology, anaesthesia including pain management, cardiovascular, central nervous system (CNS) and respiratory products. 'Nolvadex', 'Zoladex', 'Casodex', 'Arimidex', 'Iressa', 'Faslodex' and 'Tomudex' are trade marks, property of the AstraZeneca group of companies. April 3, 2000 Further Enquiries: Steve Brown, tel +44 171 304 5033 Lucy Williams, tel +44 171 304 5034 Staffan Ternby, +46 8 553 261 07 Mikael Widell, tel +44 171 304 5030 ------------------------------------------------------------ Please visit http://www.bit.se for further information The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2000/04/03/20000403BIT00620/bit0001.doc http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2000/04/03/20000403BIT00620/bit0002.pdf