deCODE genetics (Nasdaq:DCGN) today announced that it has begun enrolling
patients in its Phase I clinical development program for DG051, the company’s
follow-on developmental compound for the prevention of heart attack. The ascending-dose,
double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study will examine the safety
and tolerability profile of DG051 as well as pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
“We are executing on our strategy to target the leukotriene pathway to develop
new drugs for the prevention of heart attack. This work is built on our pioneering
discoveries in human genetics, which have given us novel insights into the
biology of heart attack and enabled us to take the lead in addressing this
pathway to develop new therapeutics and diagnostics,” said Kari Stefansson,
CEO of deCODE.
DG051 is a novel small-molecule inhibitor of leukotriene A4 hydrolase (LTA4H),
the protein made by one of the genes in the leukotriene pathway deCODE has
linked to risk of heart attack. Like DG031, the company’s lead compound for
the prevention of heart attack now in a Phase III clinical trial, DG051 is
designed to decrease risk of heart attack by decreasing the production of leukotriene
B4 (LTB4), an end product of the leukotriene pathway and a potent promoter
of inflammation. DG051 was discovered by deCODE’s structural biology and chemistry
groups, and in preclinical studies it has been shown in human blood ex vivo
and in animal models to be a potent inhibitor of LTB4 production.
About deCODE
deCODE genetics (NASDAQ:DCGN) is a global leader in applying human genetics
to develop drugs for common diseases. Our population approach has enabled
us to discover and target key biological pathways involved in conditions
ranging from heart attack to cancer. We are turning these discoveries into
new medicine to better treat and prevent many of the biggest challenges to
public health. deCODE is delivering on the promise of the new genetics.SM
Visit us on the web at www.decode.com.
Any statements contained in this presentation that relate to future plans,
events or performance are forward-looking statements within the meaning of
the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking
statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause
actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking
statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among others, those relating
to technology and product development, integration of acquired businesses,
market acceptance, government regulation and regulatory approval processes,
intellectual property rights and litigation, dependence on collaborative relationships,
ability to obtain financing, competitive products, industry trends and other
risks identified in deCODE’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
deCODE undertakes no obligation to update or alter these forward-looking statements
as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
