Press Release Details
ARROWHEAD RESEARCH INCREASES OWNERSHIP IN ABLARIS TO 64%
"The offering achieved our goal of securing outside capital for Ablaris' license and operations, and provides for incidental costs as we make our way to the clinic," said Arrowhead President and CEO Dr. Chris Anzalone. Direct costs for a Phase 1 clinical trial of Ablaris' first compound are expected to be borne by licensor MD Anderson Cancer Center.
"Preclinical studies of Ablaris' technology have demonstrated considerable promise as a novel way to treat the growing problem of obesity," continued Dr. Anzalone. "While much attention has been given to various anti-obesity therapeutic candidates, the FDA has not approved a new anti-obesity drug in over a decade, leaving a large underserved market in search of a safe and effective treatment. We believe Ablaris’ unique technology that directly targets blood vessels feeding white fat tissue presents a significant advantage as we look to enter the clinic with Ablaris' first drug candidate later this year."
Arrowhead launched Ablaris in December 2010 to commercialize the innovative technology platform developed by Drs. Wadih Arap and Renata Pasqualini at MD Anderson Cancer Center for use in weight loss and obesity-related metabolic conditions.
Ablaris' technology is designed to specifically kill blood vessels feeding white fat tissue, and substantial data have been generated in rodents and three different species of non-human primates. This platform is broad and could lead to a large number of potential compounds, hence Ablaris is expected to have great flexibility in follow-on drug candidates. The compounds are administered via simple subcutaneous injection and have led to the destruction and absorption of fat, or adipose tissue, in study animals. Importantly, the primary mode of action is believed to be at the site of the fat tissue rather the central nervous system. Many obesity drug candidates have targeted the brain and, therefore, have had difficult regulatory paths due to the complexity of altering brain chemistry and off target effects. Data using Ablaris’s lead candidate have already been reported in well-respected, peer-reviewed scientific journals and further publications are expected throughout 2011. Reports have shown significant and rapid reductions in body weight in the form of reduced body fat. For instance, published data include reports that obese study animals lost nearly one-third of their body weight after one month of treatment. Weight loss was due to a combination of destruction of fat and a decrease in appetite and resulting food intake. It is believed that the latter is caused by natural chemical interactions between the diminishing fat and the central nervous system rather than a direct action of the compound on the brain.
About Arrowhead Research Corporation
Arrowhead Research Corporation (NASDAQ: ARWR) is a nanomedicine company developing innovative therapeutic products at the interface of biology and nanoengineering to cure disease and improve human health. Arrowhead addresses its target markets through focused subsidiaries, which include: Calando Pharmaceuticals, a leader in delivering small RNAs for gene silencing; Ablaris Therapeutics, an anti-obesity therapeutics company; and Nanotope, a regenerative medicine company. For more information please visit http://www.arrowheadresearch.com.
About Ablaris Therapeutics, Inc.
Ablaris Therapeutics, Inc. is developing and commercializing a new world-class suite of drug candidates to address obesity, a widespread and growing global epidemic. Using technology developed at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Ablaris’ new pharmaceutical approach consists of a series of unique proprietary peptide conjugates that specifically target and kill the blood vessels that feed white fat tissue. Deprived of nutrition, the fat cells die and are broken down by the body. Independent animal studies have shown that the elimination of fat tissue using this method results in a decrease in appetite. Ablaris' first drug candidate is expected to enter the clinic this year. Ablaris is a majority-owned subsidiary of Arrowhead.
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act:
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon our current expectations and speak only as of the date hereof. Our actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements as a result of various factors and uncertainties, including the future success of our scientific studies, our ability to successfully develop drug candidates, the timing for starting and completing clinical trials, rapid technological change in our markets, and the enforcement of our intellectual property rights. Arrowhead Research Corporation's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q discuss some of the important risk factors that may affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. We assume no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect new events or circumstances.