REDWOOD CITY, Calif., April 4, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Threshold Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq:THLD) today announced multiple preclinical presentations on its clinical stage hypoxia-activated prodrug, TH-302, at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting, being held April 2 to 6, 2011, in Orlando, FL.
"These are very exciting preclinical results which extend our understanding of the mechanism of action and antitumor activity of TH-302," said Charles Hart, Ph.D., Threshold's vice president of biology. "Our translational observations provide further support that TH-302 is selectively targeting tumor hypoxia. In particular, the results support the hypothesis that TH-302 may combine well clinically with antiangiogenic agents that have been shown to increase tumor hypoxia preclinically."
Abstract 535, J.D.Sun et al., entitled Hypoxia-dependent in vivo activity of the hypoxia-activated prodrug (HAP) TH-302, demonstrates that TH-302 targets the hypoxic compartment of preclinical tumors selectively in vivo.
Abstract 5054, J.D.Sun et al., entitled Hypoxia-activated prodrug TH-302 enhances antitumor activity of antiangiogenics in preclinical models, provides a translational rationale for combining TH-302 with antiangiogenics to increase the treatment benefit in not only the approved indications (RCC, HCC, GIST) but also other indications, such as NSCLC.
Abstract 2648, F.Meng et al., entitled Pharmacological modulation of TH-302-mediated in vitro cytotoxicity, demonstrates that TH-302 activity may be modulated by pharmacological modulators of both select reductases and DNA damage and repair pathways.
A copy of the posters presented at AACR may be obtained by calling the Company.
About Threshold Pharmaceuticals
Threshold is a biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of drugs targeting Tumor Hypoxia, the low oxygen condition found in microenvironments of most solid tumors. This approach offers broad potential to treat most solid tumors. By selectively targeting tumor cells, we are building a pipeline of drugs that hold promise to be more effective and less toxic to healthy tissues than conventional anticancer drugs. For additional information, please visit our website ().
Forward-Looking Statements
Except for statements of historical fact, the statements in this press release are forward-looking statements, including statements regarding TH-302, its mechanism of action, and its potential therapeutic uses and benefits. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that can cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, Threshold's ability to complete its clinical trials, whether TH-302 in humans will act as anticipated based on preclinical studies, whether future clinical trials will confirm the results of earlier trials based on small numbers of patients or confirm the earlier results from the same trials, the time and expense required to conduct such clinical trials and analyze data, issues arising in the regulatory or manufacturing process and any unanticipated or increased side-effects observed in patients receiving TH-302. Further information regarding these and other risks is included under the heading "Risk Factors" in Threshold's Annual Report on Form 10-K, which was filed with the Securities Exchange Commission on March 24, 2011 and is available from the SEC's website () and on our website () under the heading "Investors." We do not intend to update any forward-looking statement made in this news release.
CONTACT: Denise Powell Sr. Director, Corporate Communications Threshold Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 650.474.8206 dpowell@thresholdpharm.com