Bionovo's Estrogen Receptor Beta Selective Drugs Have Unique Gene Expression and Cell Type Specificity
Results Published in Public Library of Science One (PLoS One)
EMERYVILLE, Calif., July 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Bionovo, Inc.
(Nasdaq: BNVI) announced today that a study of the gene regulation in multiple
cell lines by several of their estrogen receptor beta (ERb) candidates will be
published in Public Library of Science One.
"In this study we show that plant-derived ERb compounds are as selective
as synthetic compounds, but regulate different genes. Specifically, we have
discovered that these compounds do not promote breast or endometrial cancer in
animal models, unlike many estrogen therapies. This suggests that these
plant-derived ERb-selective compounds could lead to safer, more attractive
alternative therapies for menopausal symptoms," said Dr. Dale Leitman, the
Principal Investigator of the study.
The publication describes the analyses of three distinct classes of ERb
selective drugs. The study determines the relative ER selectivity and pattern
of gene expression of the three classes of ERb selective compounds compared to
the natural hormone estradiol, which non-selectively regulates both ERa and
ERb . The most significant finding in the study was that the ERb-selective
compounds regulate a number of genes differently than estradiol, a hormone
therapy commonly used to treat women's health issues. This discovery indicates
that ERb agonists might be safer than current estrogens used in hormone
therapy. The study also demonstrates the cell type selectivity of Menerba
(MF101) and Liquiritigenin, two of Bionovo's ERb selective drugs, in different
cell types. These compelling findings will serve as a strong impetus for
Bionovo, Inc. to continue investigating the unique abilities of their drugs to
safely and effectively treat menopausal symptoms.
"It is essential that new drug candidates demonstrate drug selectivity and
tissue specificity in order to minimize adverse effects, particularly when the
drug is being developed for the treatment of common, recurring symptoms
associated with menopause, such as hot flashes. This is particularly important
when developing drugs that mediate their effects through estrogen receptors,
which are responsible for many functions in the body and are present in a
range of different tissues. Bionovo stands alone in its dedication to
identifying novel pathways in estrogen receptor signaling as drug targets for
the treatment of women's conditions," said Isaac Cohen, Chairman and CEO of
Bionovo, Inc. "We have been endeavoring to develop more selective drugs in
women's health, and Dr. Leitman's study highlights the solid scientific
underpinnings of our ER beta selective drugs and underlines the deep
biological understanding we have of the mechanisms through which they work."
Bionovo, Inc.
Bionovo is a pharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and
development of safe and effective treatments for women's health and cancer,
markets with significant unmet needs and billions in potential annual revenue.
The company applies its expertise in the biology of menopause and cancer to
design new drugs derived from botanical sources which have novel mechanisms of
action. Based on the results of early and mid-stage clinical trials, Bionovo
believes they have discovered new classes of drug candidates within their rich
pipeline with the potential to be leaders in their markets. Bionovo is
headquartered in Emeryville, California and is traded on the NASDAQ Capital
Market under the symbol, "BNVI".
For more information about Bionovo and its programs, visit:
http://www.bionovo.com.
Forward Looking Statements
This release contains certain forward-looking statements relating to the
business of Bionovo, Inc. that can be identified by the use of forward-looking
terminology such as "believes," "expects," or similar expressions. Such
forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties,
including uncertainties relating to product development, efficacy and safety,
regulatory actions or delays, the ability to obtain or maintain patent or
other proprietary intellectual property protection, market acceptance,
physician acceptance, third party reimbursement, future capital requirements,
competition in general and other factors that may cause actual results to be
materially different from those described herein as anticipated, believed,
estimated or expected. Certain of these risks and uncertainties are or will be
described in greater detail in our filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, which are available at http://www.sec.gov. Bionovo, Inc. is under
no obligation (and expressly disclaims any such obligation) to update or alter
its forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future
events or otherwise.
SOURCE Bionovo, Inc.
-0- 07/17/2009
/CONTACT: Claire Fong or Tom Chesterman, both of Bionovo, Inc.,
+1-510-601-2000, investor@bionovo.com/
/Web Site: http://www.bionovo.com /
(BNVI)
CO: Bionovo, Inc.; Public Library of Science One
ST: California
IN: BIO PHA MTC HEA PUB
SU: SVY TRI
PR
-- SF47945 --
9545 07/17/2009 08:00 EDT http://www.prnewswire.com
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