RNS Number:0950Y
SR Pharma PLC
31 January 2001
Embargoed: 0700hrs, 31st January 2001
SR Pharma and YM Biosciences (formerly York Medical Inc.) collaborate on
prostate cancer trial
SR Pharma plc and YM Biosciences Inc. of Canada, have agreed to investigate
the use of SRL172 as a vaccine adjuvant in combination with YM's cancer
antigen, IPS-21.
The collaboration will initially involve a YM Biosciences-funded trial
conducted in the UK by SR Pharma. The major objective of the trial is to
examine the feasibility of using a IPS-21-SRL172 combination as a vaccine for
the treatment of hormone dependent cancers, such as prostate cancer.
Based on the results of this trial, SR Pharma and YM Biosciences may proceed
to partner the further development and commercialisation of this prospective
cancer vaccine.
Dr David Kennard, COO of SR Pharma plc, commented,
"This trial demonstrates our intention to seek further collaborations with
potential partners in which the combination of our respective technologies may
lead to the development of more effective products for the treatment of cancer
and infectious diseases."
- Ends -
For further information, please contact:
Dr Thomas Lang Adam Reynolds/Takki Sulaiman
Business Development Director Chairman
SR Pharma plc Hansard Communications.com
Tel: 020 7307 1629 Tel: 020 7735 9415
t.lang@srpharma.com adam.hansard@clsholdings.com
Notes to editors:
About SR Pharma:
SR Pharma plc (SPA.L), the London based biopharmaceutical company, is
committed to developing innovative medicines based on an improved
understanding of the role played by the immune system in combating disease.
The company's lead product, SRL172, is in Phase III clinical trials in lung
cancer and is also being investigated as a vaccine adjuvant. A new
formulation, SRP 299, is about to enter Phase II in asthma. A third product,
AVAC, is in phase I trials and is being investigated in various allergic
disorders. These products enhance the immune responses needed to combat
cancer, while regulating those that mediate allergies. The company's web site
can be found on http:/www.srpharma.com
About YM BioSciences Inc:
YM BioSciences Inc., a Canadian company incorporated in 1994, develops cancer
therapeutics. It partners with biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, as
well as with drug discovery organizations and academic institutes, to develop
cancer applications of their novel agents and technologies. Products are
in-licensed and taken through the regulatory and clinical research process,
generally to the completion of Phase II trials, by YM's team of clinical,
regulatory, licensing and business development executives. YM's product
development plan anticipates out-licensing to major marketing and
manufacturing companies at that stage.
YM continues to build a broad product portfolio of cancer therapeutics across
a variety of technologies and indications. With three Phase II trials ongoing
and five distinct cancer products expected to be in the clinic in 2001, YM has
one of the broadest biotech oncology development programmes in North America.
YM BioSciences website can be found at www.ymbiosciences.com
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