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Southern Research to Present Angiogenesis Research at
American Association of Cancer Research Meeting
Research results in development of novel mouse model and two new angiogenesis assays for preclinical drug studies
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (April 11, 2005) – Researchers at Southern Research Institute today announced that they have developed a novel mouse model and in vitro and in vivo assays to help preclinical drug researchers in the discovery of anti-angiogenic agents for cancer treatment. The findings are the subject of a poster presentation to be made at the annual meeting of the American Association of Cancer Research (AACR) April 16-20 in
The Southern Research studies led to the development of a validated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) xenograft mouse model for preclinical efficacy, and in vitro and in vivo assays to study endothelial cell proliferation, migration and tube formation; tumor/stromal cell co-culture, and
“These studies provided new insight in understanding mechanisms of tumor progression and metastasis, and led to the identification of protein targets and agents with potent anti-angiogenic activities,” said Zhican Qu, Ph.D., principal investigator and inventor of the mouse model. Dr. Qu will discuss the research in a poster presentation on Monday, April 16 at AACR.
According to the Angiogenesis Foundation, there are at least 30 known natural angiogenesis inhibitors found in the body. In total, more than 300 angiogenesis inhibitors have been discovered to date. The Foundation reports that at least 10,000 cancer patients have been treated with some form of experimental anti-angiogenic therapy. Some cancer patients have experienced dramatic regression of their tumor from anti-angiogenic therapy; others have experienced stabilization of their disease.
In these conditions, new blood vessels feed diseased tissues, destroy normal tissues, and in the case of cancer, the new vessels allow tumor cells to escape into the circulation and lodge in other organs (tumor metastases). Anti-angiogenic therapies, aimed at halting new blood vessel growth, are being developed to treat these conditions.
ABOUT ANGIOGENESIS
Angiogenesis - the growth of new blood vessels - is an important natural process occurring in the body. When angiogenic growth factors are produced in excess of angiogenesis inhibitors, the balance is tipped in favor of blood vessel growth. The normal, healthy body maintains a perfect balance of angiogenesis modulators. In general, angiogenesis is "turned off" by the production of more inhibitors than stimulators. When inhibitors are present in excess of stimulators, angiogenesis is stopped.
Excessive angiogenesis occurs in diseases such as cancer, diabetic blindness, age-related macular degeneration, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and more than 70 other conditions. Excessive angiogenesis occurs when diseased cells produce abnormal amounts of angiogenic growth factors, overwhelming the effects of natural angiogenesis inhibitors. Currently, more than 200 biotechnology, genomics, and medical device companies and every major pharmaceutical company are racing to develop new angiogenesis-based medicines.
ABOUT SOUTHERN RESEARCH INSTITUTE
Alabama-based, full-service CRO Southern Research provides quality essential services in preclinical drug discovery and development for a wide range of diseases. With six FDA-approved drugs and another six in clinical trials, Southern Research continues to demonstrate research excellence and partnering value in the search for tomorrow’s breakthrough discoveries. Visit www.southernresearch.org or call 1-800-967-6774. Look for Southern Research at the 96th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research, Booth #1630,
MEDIA CONTACT
Rhonda Jung, Southern Research, 205-581-2317 (direct), 205-337-9634 (cell), jung@southernresearch.org