AngioGenex files patent on first small molecule Id-inhibitors

AngioGenex Inc. has identified and filed a patent application on small molecules that are potent inhibitors of the Id proteins.

"The identification of these lead molecules and the filing of this patent constitute major milestones in the Company's goal to develop orally active anti-cancer drugs," said Dr. Richard Salvador, President and CEO, and the former global head of Preclinical Development at Hoffmann La Roche, Inc. He further stated that, "the work embodied in this patent establishes the 'drugability' of the Id proteins as targets allowing the Company to move forward with the preclinical work required to bring these molecules into the clinic."

According to Dr. William Garland, VP & Head of R&D, "both the in vitro and in vivo studies indicate that our small molecule inhibitors of the Id proteins will block angiogenesis and malignant transformation of cells responsible for tumor growth in man, and are likely to be orally active." Further, "inhibition of the Id proteins by these small molecules is unlikely to cause serious adverse effects in patients since they are not known to be required for the normal function of cells of the body. Their only function, with minor exceptions, is to promote blood vessel formation into tumors."

AngioGenex is currently testing a companion diagnostic that detects low levels of the Id proteins in serum. This diagnostic was developed in collaboration with BioCheck, Inc. of Foster City, California. Preliminary clinical results suggest that it has the potential to detect the presence of Id proteins at an early stage of tumor development allowing early medical intervention; it may also be useful to either follow the course of therapy or to determine whether there is a recurrence of disease.

http://www.angiogenex.com/