ART160

Arana is participating in a Collaborative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with Dr. Frank Cuttitta of the National Cancer Institute at the US National Institutes of Health.  The collaboration explores the potential of antibodies to interfere with signaling by products of the adrenomedullin gene and thereby reduce angiogenesis and slow tumour growth.  Adrenomedullin gene products, most notably PAMP, appear to be key factors for the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis), a process which is required to deliver oxygen and nutrients to growing tumours.  Agents that block angiogenesis can significantly slow tumour growth.

An example of such an anti-angiogenic agent is the Genentech antibody Avastin, which targets a later component of the angiogenesis pathway called VEGF.  Avastin has been a spectacular market success with sales exceeding US$ 2 billion in 2006.  PAMP acts upstream of VEGF and stimulates its production, as well of that of other angiogenic factors. Thus blockade of PAMP may be a more effective means of inhibiting angiogenesis than targeting VEGF.

Arana is working with NIH scientists to determine whether antibodies directed against PAMP are effective in blocking angiogenesis and tumour growth.  If results are positive, then Arana will go on to develop humanised antibodies for clinical development.