Biotech Values

[mcbio]

ABLX - Biomarker for ALX-0081

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Ablynx-Demonstrates-iw-1582959004.html?x=0&.v=1

Ablynx Demonstrates Proof-of-Concept by Biomarker for its Anti-Thrombotic Alx-0081

GHENT, BELGIUM--(Marketwire - 12/22/09) - Ablynx (Euronext Brussels: ABLX) announced today detailed results from the open label extension of the Phase Ib study of its anti-thrombotic, ALX-0081, in patients with stable angina undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The results support those of the original Phase I study with ALX-0081 and collectively provide proof-of-concept that ALX-0081 is safe and well tolerated and a potent inhibitor of platelet aggregation.

The study was designed to investigate the effect of ALX-0081, which inhibits von Willebrand Factor (vWF), on vWF-mediated clotting, measured using platelet aggregation biomarkers. Additional objectives were to gather additional data regarding safety and administration. The study recruited a total of 22 patients with stable angina undergoing elective PCI. All patients received standard anti-thrombotic therapy, including aspirin, heparin and Plavix(?) in addition to ALX-0081 (20 patients; total dose 18mg) or placebo (2 patients).

All 22 patients received four bolus injections (i.v.) of ALX-0081 or placebo every six hours over 24 hours. vWF-mediated platelet aggregation was measured via the biomarker RICO (ristocetin cofactor). All 20 patients who received ALX-0081 experienced complete RICO inhibition, that was statistically significant compared with placebo, (p < 0.0001). ALX-0081 was safe and well tolerated and did not result in clinically relevant bleeding events. No evidence of anti-drug antibodies was detected up to 30 days after the last injection.

Professor Jozef Bartunek, (Aalst, Belgium) primary investigator of the Phase Ib study commented: "With the highly statistically significant inhibition of vWF, we have achieved proof-of-concept with the biomarker indicating ALX-0081 is a potent inhibitor of vWF-mediated clotting in patients with stable angina undergoing PCI."

Edwin Moses, CEO and Chairman at Ablynx, commented: "We are delighted to see further evidence of efficacy and safety for ALX-0081 in patients with cardiovascular disease. This is a novel target and ALX-0081 could become an important next generation thrombosis treatment. Ablynx recently initiated a Phase II study with ALX-0081 and we look forward to obtaining data from this study by the end of 2010."