MISSISSAUGA, ON, Oct. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - YM BioSciences
Inc. (NYSE Amex:YMI, TSX:YM), today announced it will present
preclinical results for its CYT387 JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor program
demonstrating that CYT387 possesses an excellent enzymatic potency
and selectivity profile which may provide significant clinical
advantages. CYT387 is currently being investigated in a Phase I/II
clinical study at Mayo Clinic in patients with myelofibrosis. The
results will be presented in a poster session at the European
School of Haematology International (ESH) International Conference
on Myeloproliferative Neoplasms in Albufeira, Portugal held from September 30-October 2, 2010.
"The ESH International Conference showcases leading research in
the area of hematology and our participation among other
highly-regarded hematological programs highlights the significance
of our CYT387 program, which compares very favorably with other JAK
inhibitors" said Dr. Nick Glover,
President and COO of YM BioSciences. "The encouraging progress our
JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor, CYT387, has been showing in the clinic is
further reinforced by these data demonstrating that our product may
have competitive advantages over other JAK inhibitors currently in
development. We look forward to the American Society of Hematology
(ASH) meeting in Orlando, Florida,
in early December 2010, where
detailed preliminary clinical data for CYT387 are expected to be
presented."
The ESH poster will be presented at 5:30pm on Saturday, 2nd October. An online
version of the poster will be available on the YM BioSciences
website at www.ymbiosciences.com.
About YM BioSciences
YM BioSciences Inc. is a drug development company advancing
three clinical-stage products: CYT387, a small molecule, dual
inhibitor of JAK1/JAK2 kinase; nimotuzumab, an EGFR-targeting
monoclonal antibody; and CYT997, a potent vascular disrupting agent
(VDA).
CYT387 is an orally administered inhibitor of both the JAK1 and
JAK2 kinase enzymes, which have been implicated in a number of
immune cell disorders including myeloproliferative disorders and
inflammatory diseases as well as certain cancers. CYT387 is
currently in a Phase I/II trial in myelofibrosis with detailed
initial safety and activity data expected at the American Society
of Hematology (ASH) meeting in December
2010. Nimotuzumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody
targeting EGFR with a potential best-in-class side effect profile.
Nimotuzumab is being evaluated in numerous Phase II and III trials
worldwide by YM's licensees. CYT997 is a uniquely orally-available
agent with dual mechanisms of vascular disruption and cytotoxicity,
and is currently in a Phase II trial for glioblastoma multiforme.
In addition to YM's three clinical stage products, the Company has
a library of more than 4,000 novel compounds identified through
internal research conducted at YM BioSciences Australia which are
currently being evaluated.
This press release may contain forward-looking statements, which
reflect the Company's current expectation regarding future events.
These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties
that may cause actual results, events or developments to be
materially different from any future results, events or
developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking
statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, changing
market conditions, the successful and timely completion of clinical
studies, the establishment of corporate alliances, the impact of
competitive products and pricing, new product development,
uncertainties related to the regulatory approval process and other
risks detailed from time to time in the Company's ongoing quarterly
and annual reporting. Certain of the assumptions made in preparing
forward-looking statements include but are not limited to the
following: that nimotuzumab will continue to demonstrate a
competitive safety profile in ongoing and future clinical trials;
that our JAK1/2 inhibitor CYT387 and our VDA small molecule CYT997
will generate positive efficacy and safety data in future clinical
trials; that YM and its various partners will complete their
respective clinical trials within the timelines communicated in
this release. Except as required by applicable securities laws, we
undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any
forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information,
future events or otherwise.
SOURCE YM BioSciences Inc.
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