Glycogenesys - GCS100 - 500 Beiträge pro Seite

[greenhorn1998]

Hallo zusammen!

Ich wollte eure Aufmerksamkeit einmal auf Glycogenesys lenken. Das Unternehmen ist im Bereich der Glycobiology tätig - sprich welche Rolle Zucker in der Biologie spielt.

Corporate Overview

GlycoGenesys, Inc. is a biotechnology company developing novel drug candidates primarily based on glycobiology. Our product development strategy focuses on therapeutic applications where there is an unmet medical need for life-threatening or debilitating diseases. The Company`s lead drug candidate, GCS-100, is a potential treatment for multiple forms of cancer. We plan to advance GCS-100 through the clinical trial process, while selectively building an integrated pipeline of potential new drug candidates.


Beim Rumstöbern bin ich u.a. auch auf dieses Posting im Yahoo-Board gestoßen, in dem das Unternehmen ganz gut vorgestellt wird. (Auch der Abstoß von GLGS-Aktien durch Elan wird berücksichtigt.)

"GLGS is in the glycobiology area of the biotech industry. This area is considered to be one of the most promising areas of scientific research.

They are well along the way towards developing a compound called GCS-100le, which has been shown to have some significant effects in fighting a number of forms of cancer, to date. It seems to have numerous beneficial effects in fighting cancer.

This compound may be useful as a treatment by itself. But, it may be even more useful when combined with existing forms of popularly used chemotheraputic agents, such as Velcade, a very well known drug.

In fact, one of the key research scientists that worked on deveoping Velcade has become involved with GCS-100.

GCS-100 has been helpful in studies with people who failed to respond to the standard chemotherapy agents.

GLGS will be seeking fast track approval for GCS-100.

GLGS will need much additional funding to develop GCS-100. They may be able to partner with a large pharma to get some of this funding; because if the drug becomes a blockbuster, which appears may be possible, this could be very important to a large pharma. Large pharmas are very conservative, but they don`t have enough new drugs under development, so this is a distinct possibility.

Steffen has a web site, look under his bio and there is a link. It will give you access to some good info.

PRW is a bit of a fly in the ointment.

But, there is a certain PIG who will make all the bogus claims you will ever need to discard regarding this fantasy.

This is a good time to buy. The stock has been under pressure all year. You`re lucky, IMO.

Looks like tonight we found out that ELAN, an Irish company which has specialized in helping to fund various biotechs, has sold the last of their available shares. Although they still have options and warrants they hold, these are exercisable at significantly higher prices, AND they will need to pay GLGS significant cash to exercise these options, which is fine by GLGS.

The sale of these last ELAN shares is excellent news for GLGS. It hurt the rally attempt this week, but gives credence to the thesis that GLGS is now in a rally.

Elan`s sale of shares is not a vote of no confidence in GLGS. Elan was in trouble itself about a year ago, and began to implement a strategic plan to focus on specific areas of biotech / drug development. Unfortunately for GLGS, this plan did not include oncology (the study of cancer), and ELAN has been a seller of GLGS shares all year at various times. Now they`re gone. Good.

Lots of action on the development front this year with GCS-100. Lots of fear in the stock now.

Phase 1 results to be reported in early `05 on dose escalation trials, which apparently are going ok.

We`ve received a delisting notice for being under $1, but most here feel comfortable delisting will be avoided.

Now that ELAN is gone, I think this is significant news. The rally can resume, and good news may not be met with big selling. Best to accumulate now as quickly as you can, because more good news could come at any day. Take advantage of any lingering fear."

Marktkapitalisierung beträgt nur rund 25 Millionen USD derzeit.

Gruß, greenhorn

[greenhorn1998]

Die Aktie ist in den letzten Wochen mächtig in Bewegung geraten. Sehr volatil, das ganze. Aus folgenden Gründen:

a)
GlycoGenesys, Inc. Announces Victory in License Dispute With Former CEO
Thursday November 11, 6:09 pm ET
Arbitrator Affirms Company`s Exclusive Rights to Intellectual Property

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 11, 2004---GlycoGenesys, Inc. (NASDAQ:GLGS - News), a biotechnology company focused on carbohydrate drug development, today announced that it has received a favorable decision in final and binding arbitration proceedings. The arbitration was brought by the Company against David Platt, its former CEO, who is now CEO of Pro-Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (AMEX:PRW - News).

Today`s favorable ruling affirms the Company`s exclusive rights to the disputed intellectual property. This intellectual property relates to GCS-100, the Company`s lead drug candidate. The decision in favor of GlycoGenesys is final and binding and is only appealable based on strict and limited grounds. Under today`s ruling Platt, as inventor, continues to prosecute patent applications covered by the license agreement for the benefit of the Company and the Company retains exclusive rights to the technology.

Bradley J Carver, CEO and President of GlycoGenesys, Inc. stated, "The `cloud` that has overshadowed GlycoGenesys` accomplishments and intellectual property this year is now lifted. Our exclusive rights to GCS-100 have been undeniably determined. The value of past and future achievements relating to GCS-100 can now be properly recognized."

Mr. Carver continued, "We are sometimes required, as in this case, to take legal actions to defend and secure what is rightfully ours. This victory is an important milestone and good news for shareholders and employees who stayed the course with us. In accordance with today`s ruling, Platt`s prosecution of the patent applications in question will be solely for the benefit of the Company and this decision leaves no doubt to our rights under the license agreement to develop and commercialize GCS-100."

Legal synopsis of the decision
The arbitrator found that Platt had breached the license agreement by filing a patent application related to those already covered by the agreement without having informed the Company and affirmed the Company`s position that Platt`s subsequent patent application is also covered by the agreement. The arbitrator rejected Platt`s contention that the Company had breached the license agreement and refused to terminate the agreement, as Platt had requested. Instead, the arbitrator found that the Company retained its exclusive rights to the technology in question. The arbitrator allowed Platt to continue prosecuting the patent applications in which he is listed as inventor, finding that Platt had not relinquished an inventor`s right to control prosecution of his applications. Prosecution of the applications is for the benefit of the Company, which retains exclusive rights to develop and commercialize them.


GlycoGenesys, Inc. Claims Rights to Davanat in Lawsuit with Platt and Pro-Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Thursday November 11, 6:25 pm ET
Company`s Rights to GCS-100 Not In Dispute

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 11, 2004--GlycoGenesys, Inc., (Nasdaq: GLGS - News), a biotechnology company developing carbohydrate-based drugs, announced earlier today that it was awarded a favorable ruling in the arbitration proceedings brought by the Company against David Platt, its former CEO. With this favorable decision in hand, GlycoGenesys is taking the opportunity to describe the separate litigation with Platt and Pro-Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (AMEX:PRW - News), the company Platt now heads, and its business implications. This separate litigation, regardless of outcome, does not affect our rights to pursue commercialization of GCS-100.

Bradley J Carver, President and CEO of GlycoGenesys, Inc., said, "With the issuance of the favorable arbitration decision, the outstanding litigation risk and uncertainty relating to GlycoGenesys` intellectual property is clearly resolved. As we move forward, we believe the focus on litigation risks and uncertainties relating to intellectual property will shift to Platt and Pro- Pharmaceuticals, because we are seeking ownership of Davanat®."

Mr. Carver continued, "As previously disclosed, Platt initiated a separate litigation against GlycoGenesys largely in connection with his termination agreement. As part of this litigation, we have filed several counterclaims against Platt and Pro-Pharmaceuticals targeting their core intellectual property including Pro-Pharmaceuticals` lead product, Davanat. We are seeking the assignment of Davanat to GlycoGenesys and to prevent Platt and Pro- Pharmaceuticals from developing and selling polysaccharides to treat cancer. Much as GlycoGenesys has done through the arbitration process, we will pursue this legal action in a manner that minimizes management`s time and is results driven."

"Platt`s claims in the litigation, in which he seeks monetary damages, in our opinion are without merit. Moreover, we believe they represent limited financial exposure to us based on the amount of severance in dispute and the price and volume of our stock following the expiration of his lock-up and his realized proceeds," concluded Mr. Carver.

Litigation
Background:
In May 2000, David Platt signed a termination agreement and agreed not to compete with GlycoGenesys.

In July 2000, Platt incorporated Pro-Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a biotech company to develop carbohydrate-based drugs and drug-delivery products in the field of oncology.

In early 2001, the Company stopped severance payments under the termination agreement because of Platt`s competitive activities with Pro-Pharmaceuticals, as well as other breaches of the termination agreement.

In the fall 2002 through summer 2003, Platt sold shares of GlycoGenesys subject to Rule 144 limitations.

In January 2004, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued to GlycoGenesys U.S. Patent No. 6,680,306 " Method for Enhancing the Effectiveness of Cancer Therapies" covering the use of GCS-100® and other carbohydrates that bind to galectins prior to or in combination with chemotherapy or surgery for the treatment of cancer.

Pro-Pharmaceuticals` lead drug candidate, Davanat®, is a carbohydrate administered in combination with existing chemotherapies to potentially enhance their efficacy and reduce their toxicity. Pro-Pharmaceuticals publicly states that Davanat binds to galectins. Pro-Pharmaceuticals began developing Davanat shortly after David Platt signed a termination agreement with GlycoGenesys.

Lawsuit:

In late January 2004, Platt filed a lawsuit against the Company. In this suit, Platt seeks damages from the Company and certain of its directors for, among other claims:

alleged breach of the termination agreement between the Company and Platt for, among other things, failure to pay Platt severance (net payments of approximately $180,000);
alleged breach of fiduciary duty for failing to release transfer restrictions on his GlycoGenesys stock in an appropriate manner; and
unfair trade practices.
In response to Platt`s lawsuit, GlycoGenesys brought counterclaims against Platt and PRW asserting that:

Platt breached the non-competition provisions of his termination agreement within months of signing it by founding Pro-Pharmaceuticals and targeting carbohydrates to treat cancer;
Platt misappropriated GlycoGenesys` confidential information and used it to help develop Davanat and potentially other Pro-Pharmaceuticals technologies;
Platt and Pro-Pharmaceuticals engaged in business libel by making false statements in press releases and public statements about GlycoGenesys` intellectual property rights in GCS-100;
Platt breached the non-disparagement clause and other provisions set forth in the termination agreement; and
Platt and Pro-Pharmaceuticals both engaged in unfair trade practices.
The Company is seeking damages and permanent injunctive relief including:

an order to assign all rights in Davanat and other Pro-Pharmaceutical`s inventions to GlycoGenesys;
a permanent injunction on Platt and Pro-Pharmaceuticals from developing, selling or using polysaccharide compounds to treat cancer;
a permanent injunction on Platt and Pro-Pharmaceuticals from using proprietary and confidential information of GlycoGenesys;
an injunction preventing Platt from participating in the business of Pro- Pharmaceuticals for 2 years; and
the recovery of all payments made to Platt under the termination agreement as well as associated costs and attorneys fees
GlycoGenesys, Inc.

Das hatte Neoe schon einmal gepostet (Drugs to watch - Early Stage).

Gruß, greenhorn

[greenhorn1998]

Das hatte ich schon einmal gepostet:

a)
GlycoGenesys, Inc. Announces Scientific Rational for Developing GCS-100LE for Potential Treatment of Multiple Myeloma at American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting

GCS-100LE overcomes drug resistance of approved therapies and is shown to have synergistic and additive effects in combination with other drugs for treatment of Multiple Myeloma in vitro
BOSTON & SAN DIEGO, Dec 6, 2004 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- GlycoGenesys, Inc., (NASDAQ: GLGS), a biotechnology company focused on carbohydrate drug development, announced today its lead drug candidate, GCS-100LE, was shown in vitro to trigger cell death in multiple myeloma, including cell lines resistant to standard treatments. The data was presented at The American Society of Hematology 46th Annual Meeting and Exposition in a poster session called New Targets and Immune Based Therapy in a presentation entitled " Mitochondria and Caspase-Independent Cell-Death Triggered By GCS-100, a Novel Carbohydrate-Based Therapeutic in Multiple Myeloma (MM) Cells." The poster was presented by Company collaborator, Dr. Dharminder Chauhan, of Dr. Kenneth Anderson`s laboratory at the Medical Oncology Department, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.

Highlights of Poster Presentation
GCS-100LE was found to:

Directly target multiple myeloma cells including in their bone marrow microenvironment.

Trigger cell death in multiple myeloma cells resistant to traditional anti-cancer agents including dexamethasone, melphalan, doxorubicin, and Velcade(R), which are commonly used in treatment of multiple myeloma.

Decrease the viability of Velcade-resistant multiple myeloma patient cells.

Inhibit growth and survival of multiple myeloma cells conferred by the bone marrow microenvironment.

Overcome drug-resistance conferred by anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and heat shock protein- 27.

Induces cell death in multiple myeloma without activating known cell death activating pathways, caspases 8, 9,and 3, without significant toxicity against normal peripheral mononuclear cells, suggesting a potentially novel mechanism of action and providing strong rational for combining GCS-100LE with approved agents that activate caspase-dependent cell death.

To have additive and synergistic effects when combined with caspase-activating agents dexamthasone and PK1195, respectively.
These findings lay the framework for clinical evaluation of GCS-100LE either alone or in combination with other therapies to overcome drug resistance and improve patient outcome in multiple myeloma.

Bradley J Carver, President and CEO of GlycoGenesys, noted that " We are very pleased to have this promising data presented at the ASH Annual Meeting by such distinguished clinicians and researchers. As a co-author with my colleagues on this abstract and working closely with Dr.`s Anderson and Chauhan over the last year, we are excited about our plans to enter the clinic in multiple myeloma with GCS-100LE in early 2005 at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute."

The Study
Multiple myeloma cancer cells use normal bone marrow stromal cells and the bone marrow microenvironment to prevent apoptosis (programmed cell death), which allows them to divide and grow abnormally. GCS-100LE works by directly targeting multiple myeloma cells in their bone marrow microenvironment, interfering with their ability to adhere to the bone marrow stromal cells and inhibiting their growth and proliferation, eventually leading to cell-death. GCS-100LE was shown to trigger growth arrest and apoptosis in a number of multiple myeloma cell lines including cell lines resistant to standard treatments such as dexamethasone, melphalan and doxorubicin. In tests with multiple myeloma cells from patients who have had unsuccessful treatment due to drug resistance, GCS-100LE demonstrated similar results, including in cells from patients resistant to bortezomib (Velcade(R)). GCS-100LE was effective against these patient`s cells without significant toxicity to normal peripheral mononuclear cells, which naturally help defend against infections and disease.
In this study, it was shown that GCS-100LE induced apoptosis in multiple myeloma cells through a mitochondria and caspase-independent apoptotic pathway. This provides a rationale for combining it with treatments that work through potentially complimentary apoptotic pathways, including caspase-dependent pathways. For example, in combinatonGCS-100LE, acts synergistically with PK-11195 and additively with dexamethasone.

About Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma (also known as myeloma or plasma cell myeloma) is a progressive hematologic (blood) disease. It is a cancer of the plasma cell, an important part of the immune system that produces immunoglobulins (antibodies) to help fight infection and disease. Hypercalcemia, anemia, renal damage, increased susceptibility to bacterial infection, and impaired production of normal immunoglobulin are common clinical manifestations of multiple myeloma. It is often also characterized by diffuse osteoporosis, usually in the pelvis, spine, ribs, and skull.
The estimated frequency of multiple myeloma is 4-5 new cases per 100,000 persons per year. Accordingly, in the United States 15,270 new cases are expected to be diagnosed in 2004. At present there are approximately 50,000 people in the United States living with multiple myeloma.

About GCS-100LE
GCS-100LE is a novel carbohydrate compound with potential application in solid tumors and bloodborne cancers. Independent research has shown that Galectin-3, a key target of GCS-100, is implicated in several cellular activities. GCS-100 has at least three mechanisms of action: it may induce apoptosis, or programmed cell death; appears to interfere with angiogenesis, the process by which cancer cells recruit a blood supply from the body in order to proliferate; and appears to interfere with a process called cellular adhesion, which plays a key role in metastasis, or the spread of cancer beyond the primary tumor. Galectin-3 has high expression in many cancers, but not in normal cells, conferring broad potential applications for GCS-100 in solid and blood-borne cancers. GCS-100 has been evaluated at lower dose levels in Phase II(a) clinical trials for colorectal and pancreatic cancer. GCS-100LE, a low ethanol formulation, is currently in a dose escalation Phase I trial for solid tumors with Phase I and II clinical trials for multiple myeloma planned to begin in 2005.

About GlycoGenesys, Inc.
GlycoGenesys, Inc. is a biotechnology company that develops and licenses products based on glycobiology. The Company`s cancer drug candidate GCS-100LE, a unique compound to treat cancer, has been evaluated in previous human clinical trials at low dose levels in patients with colorectal, pancreatic and other types of solid tumor cancers with stable disease and partial response documented. The Company currently is conducting a Phase I dose escalation trial to evaluate higher dose levels of GCS-100LE, a low ethanol formulation of GCS-100LE, at Sharp Clinical Oncology Research in San Diego, California. Further studies are planned for the first and second quarter of 2005. Further information is available on GlycoGenesys` web site: www.glycogenesys.com.


b)
New In Vitro Study of GlycoGenesys` GCS-100LE Yields Promising Data in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and other B-cell Cancers

Data Presented at American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting
BOSTON & SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 7, 2004-- GlycoGenesys, Inc., (Nasdaq: GLGS), a biotechnology company focused on carbohydrate-based drug development, announced today that an in vitro study showed for the first time that its lead drug candidate, GCS-100LE, triggered cell death in both B-cell malignant cell lines and primary cancer cells taken from patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). GCS-100LE, currently in a Phase I dose escalation trial for solid tumors, is a novel carbohydrate-based compound being developed for the treatment of solid tumors and multiple myeloma. Data from the new study was presented last evening by world-renowned cancer researcher and GlycoGenesys collaborator, Dr. Finbarr E. Cotter of Barts School of Medicine, London, at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) 46th Annual Meeting and Exposition in a poster session on Lymphoma Therapy - New Biologic Agents. The poster was titled " GCS-100, a Galectin 3 Antagonist, Is a Novel Caspase-9 Apoptosis Activating Agent for the Treatment of Indolent B-Cell Malignancies."

Dr. Cotter`s Poster Presentation Highlights

GCS-100LE was found to:

Induce significant apoptosis (cell death) in both malignant B-cell lines and in primary patient chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells in vitro with minimal effect against normal B-cells and stem cell cultures.

Greatly enhance the apoptotic effect of chemotherapy at low doses, even in the presence of high levels of anti-apoptotic proteins such as Bcl-2.

Induce cell death in B-cell malignancies including chronic lymphocytic leukemia via caspase-9, a known apoptotic pathway utilized by approved chemotherapy agents. Activation of caspase-9 has been shown to predict a good anti-cancer response in B-cell malignancies.
These findings lay the framework for clinical evaluation of GCS-100LE in B-cell malignancies, especially for potential treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

The Study
The study investigated the mechanism by which GCS-100LE induces apoptosis (programmed cell death) in indolent B-cell lymphomas. It found that GCS-100LE induced apoptosis in malignant cell lines as well as in primary cells from patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia with minimal effect on normal B cells. Notably, low doses of GCS-100LE significantly enhanced the effect of chemotherapy in these cancer cells. GCS-100LE was found to induce a specific apoptotic pathway, the mitochondrial caspase-9 pathway. The apoptotic effect of GCS-100LE occurred even in the presence of the protein Bcl-2, a natural inhibitor of cell death, which confers resistance to widely used chemotherapy drugs in several cancers. GCS-100LE has been previously shown to bind to Galectin-3, a protein that generally has a higher expression in B-cell cancers. This may be the cause of GCS-100LE`s targeting of malignant B-cells.

Dr. Finbarr Cotter, GlycoGenesys` collaborator and primary author of the study abstract said, " Our recent study shows for the first time that GCS-100LE has strong activity against primary cancer cells taken from patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. In these primary cells and in other B-cell cancer cell lines, GCS-100LE works through a specific caspase-dependent apoptotic pathway. Moreover, other studies have shown that GCS-100LE can activate additional beneficial anti-cancer mechanisms. These attributes of GCS-100LE suggest its application in several different types of cancer and its combination with chemotherapeutic agents that work through complementary pathways for a potential synergistic or additive therapeutic effect. I am keen to commence clinical studies based on this preclinical work."

Bradley J Carver, President and CEO of GlycoGenesys, a secondary author of the study abstract, further commented, " Our poster presentations at this year`s annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology underscore the clinical rationale and versatility of GCS-100LE to be developed for potential treatment of several bloodborne cancers. We are encouraged by Dr. Cotter`s recent findings. They provide solid scientific rationale for expanding the clinical development of GCS-100LE beyond our current programs in solid tumor and multiple myeloma.

About Indolent B-cell Malignancies
In the U.S., over 320,000 people are estimated to have some form of B-cell malignancy and each year approximately 55,000 new cases and 20,000 deaths occur from these cancers. Between 80% and 85% of non-Hodgkin`s lymphomas are of B-cell origin. Indolent B-cell malignancies include chronic lymphocytic leukemia, follicular lymphoma and B-cell non-Hodgkin`s lymphoma as well as other lymphomas. They are low-grade or slow-growing lymphomas that permit long survival periods but are continuously recurring and virtually incurable in advanced stages. Current treatment options are characterized by low-cure rates due to the slow-growing nature of these lymphomas. Patients without symptoms are monitored closely for development of symptoms including tumor masses and major organ involvement. At such times, treatment is started.

About GCS-100LE
GCS-100LE is a novel carbohydrate compound with potential application in solid tumors and bloodborne cancers. Independent research has shown that Galectin-3, a key target of GCS-100LE is implicated in several cellular activities. GCS-100LE has at least three mechanisms of action: it may induce apoptosis, or programmed cell death; appears to interfere with angiogenesis, the process by which cancer cells recruit a blood supply from the body in order to proliferate; and appears to interfere with a process called cellular adhesion, which plays a key role in metastasis, or the spread of cancer beyond the primary tumor. Galectin-3 has high expression in many cancers, but not in normal cells, conferring broad potential applications for GCS-100LE in solid and bloodborne cancers. GCS-100 has been evaluated at low dose levels in previous clinical trials for patients with colorectal, pancreatic and other types of solid tumors. GCS-100LE, a low ethanol formulation, is currently in a dose escalation Phase I trial for solid tumors with Phase I and II clinical trials for multiple myeloma planned in 2005.

About GlycoGenesys, Inc.
GlycoGenesys, Inc. is a biotechnology company that develops and licenses compounds based on glycobiology. The Company`s drug candidate GCS-100, a unique compound to treat cancer, has been evaluated in previous clinical trials at low dose levels in patients with colorectal, pancreatic and other solid tumors with stable disease and partial response documented. The Company currently is conducting a Phase I dose escalation trial to evaluate higher dose levels of GCS-100LE, a low ethanol formulation of GCS-100, at Sharp Clinical Oncology Research in San Diego, California. Further studies are planned for the first and second quarter of 2005. Further information is available on GlycoGenesys` web site: www.glycogenesys.com.

Gruß, greenhorn

[greenhorn1998]

10 Emerging Technologies That Will Change the World

(...)

Glycomics
James Paulson, a researcher at the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, CA, lifts a one-liter, orange-capped bottle from his desk. The bottle is filled with sugar, and Paulson estimates that, had the substance been purchased from a chemical supply house, it would have cost about $15 million. “If I could only sell it,” Paulson jokes, admiring what looks like the chunky, raw sugar served at health food restaurants. In fact, Cytel, a biotech company Paulson once helped run, synthesized the sugar—one of thousands made by the human body—with hopes it could be sold to truly boost health. Cytel’s aim was to turn the sugar into a drug that could tame the immune system to minimize damage following heart attacks and surgery. That ambition failed, but the effort to understand and ultimately harness sugars—a field called glycomics—is thriving. And Paulson, who has gone on to cofound Abaron Biosciences in La Jolla, CA, is leading the way, developing new glycomic drugs that could have an impact on health problems ranging from rheumatoid arthritis to the spread of cancer cells.
The reason for the excitement around glycomics is that sugars have a vital, albeit often overlooked, function in the body. In particular, sugars play a critical role in stabilizing and determining the function of proteins through a process called glycosylation, in which sugar units are attached to other molecules including newly made proteins. “If you don’t have any glycosylation, you don’t have life,” says Paulson.
By manipulating glycosylation or sugars themselves, researchers hope to shut down disease processes, create new drugs, and improve existing ones. Biotech giant Amgen, for instance, made a more potent version of its best-selling drug (a protein called erythropoietin, which boosts red-blood-cell production) by attaching two extra sugars to the molecule. Other companies such as GlycoGenesys, Progenics Pharmaceuticals, and Oxford Glycoscience have glycomic drugs in human tests for ailments ranging from Gaucher’s disease to colorectal cancer. “The medical potential...is absolutely enormous,” says Abaron cofounder Jamey Marth, a geneticist at the University of California, San Diego.
Despite the importance of sugars, efforts to unravel their secrets long remained in the shadows of research into genes and proteins—in part because there is no simple “code” that determines sugars’ structures. But over the last few decades, researchers have slowly uncovered clues to sugars’ functions. In the late 1980s, Paulson and his team isolated a gene for one of the enzymes responsible for glycosylation. Since that watershed event, scientists have been piecing together an ever more detailed understanding of the ways sugars can in some instances ensure healthy functioning and in others make us susceptible to disease.
It’s a gargantuan task. Researchers estimate that as many as 40,000 genes make up each person, and each gene can code for several proteins. Sugars modify many of those proteins, and various cell types attach the same sugars in different ways, forming a variety of branching structures, each with a unique function. “It’s a nightmare” to figure all this out, says Paulson. “In order for the field to progress rapidly, we need to bring together the experts in the various subfields to think about the problems of bridging the technologies and beginning to move toward a true glycomics approach.” In an attempt do just that, Paulson heads the Consortium for Functional Glycomics. The group, comprising more than 40 academics from a number of disciplines, has a five-year $34 million grant from the National Institutes of Health.
Despite this large-scale effort and healthy dose of federal funding, however, Paulson stresses that the consortium cannot detail every sugar in the body. “We’re just taking a bite out of the apple.” But what a sweet, large apple it is. —Jon Cohen
Others in GLYCOMICS RESEARCHER PROJECT Carolyn Bertozzi U. California, Berkeley; Thios Pharmaceuticals Glycosylation and receptor binding in disease Richard Cummings U. Oklahoma Sugars in cell adhesion Stuart Kornfeld Washington U. School of Medicine Pathways of glycosylation and genetic disorders John Lowe U. Michigan Sugars in immunity and cancer Jamey Marth U. California, San Diego; Abaron Biosciences Sugars in physiology and disease Secret keeper: Nicolas Gisin guards information in a quantum-clad lockbox.

Ist allerdings schon etwas älter! Komplett nachzulesen unter http://www.matr.net/article-5377.html

Würde mich über Meinungen freuen!

Gruß, greenhorn

[nurkeinepanik]

!

Dieser Beitrag wurde vom System automatisch gesperrt. Bei Fragen wenden Sie sich bitte an [e-mail]

[nurkeinepanik]

!

Dieser Beitrag wurde vom System automatisch gesperrt. Bei Fragen wenden Sie sich bitte an [e-mail]

[greenhorn1998]

Hallo zusammen!

Der Kurs ist mächtig unter Druck!

a)
GlycoGenesys sets 1-for-6 reverse stock split
Mon Dec 13, 2004 03:51 PM ET LOS ANGELES, Dec 13 (Reuters) - GlycoGenesys Inc. (GLGS.O: Quote, Profile, Research) , a biotechnology company focused on carbohydrate-based drug development, on Monday said its board approved a 1-for-6 reverse split of the company`s stock to prevent de-listing and improve its capital structure. Shares held as of the close Dec. 20 will be split and the shares will begin trading on a post-split basis on Dec. 21.
GlycoGenesys said the split reduces the number of shares outstanding to a level more comparable with those of similar biotechnology companies and more appropriate to the current size, stage and scope of the company`s business.

b)
GlycoGenesys, Inc. Announces Date and Terms of Reverse Stock Split
Monday December 13, 3:33 pm ET

Move Taken Toward Improving Long-Term Shareholder Value
BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 13, 2004--GlycoGenesys, Inc., (Nasdaq: GLGS - News), a biotechnology company focused on carbohydrate-based drug development, announced today that the Company`s Board of Directors had approved a 1-for-6 reverse stock split of the Company`s common stock. The split affects all stockholders uniformly and will not affect any stockholder`s percentage ownership in the Company. To the extent that the split results in a holder becoming entitled to a fractional share, the fractional share will be rounded up to a whole share for the benefit of the shareholder. As a Nevada corporation, a shareholder vote is not required to effect the split of its shares. Shares held as of the close of business on December 20, 2004 will be split and the shares will begin trading on a post-split basis the following day, December 21, 2004. For a period of 20 trading days following the split the Company`s common stock will trade under the temporary symbol "GLGS.D" to reflect the occurrence of the split. In addition to reducing the number of shares outstanding, the number of authorized shares available for future issuance will also be reduced by a 1-for-6 ratio. All warrants, options and preferred stock outstanding at the time of the split are also subject to the reverse split formula including customary upward repricing.
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Comments From Management
John W. Burns, the Company`s Senior Vice President and CFO, stated, "Today`s announcement is more than about simply taking steps to retain our Nasdaq listing. This year we have made significant progress operationally, scientifically, and clinically. We believe these achievements have been under recognized by the capital markets due to, among other things, our capital structure, which is uncharacteristic of many biotech companies at our stage of development. As evidenced by the results in our recently announced American Society of Hematology abstracts, GlycoGenesys has the potential for a bright future and it became necessary to change our capital structure to provide the best opportunity, in our opinion, for long-term shareholder value."
Bradley J Carver, the Company`s President and CEO, stated, "Along with our shareholders senior management and the Board of Directors together are significant stake-holders in GlycoGenesys and carefully weighed the interest of our shareholders in arriving at this decision to reduce our share count. By reducing the share count, we are taking a step we believe is necessary to improve the potential for our shareholders to benefit from our milestones going forward. 2005 looks to be a milestone intensive year including human clinical data from our solid tumor dose escalation trial, initiating our multiple myeloma study at Dana Farber, expanding our clinical trial program for GCS-100LE and entering into a potential strategic partnership. In addition to clinical milestones, we expect additional research publications on GCS-100LE and plan to keep a high profile at industry and investor conferences."
Potential Benefits of The Reverse Stock Split
The reverse stock split reduces the number of GlycoGenesys` shares outstanding to a level more comparable with those of similar biotechnology companies and more appropriate to the current size, stage and scope of the Company`s business. Fewer shares outstanding and a higher stock price may help to generate more interest from fundamental institutional investors among funds that are either precluded by their bylaws from investing in lower-priced stocks or are simply reluctant to do so. In addition, many analyst and brokerage firms are reluctant to recommend lower-priced stocks to either their clients or monitor performance of lower-priced stocks. Moreover, the stock split provides an opportunity to satisfy Nasdaq`s $1.00 bid price requirement.
Today`s announcement is part of a multi-step process by the Company`s management and Board of Directors to increase long-term shareholder value by taking the necessary actions to maintain its Nasdaq listing, attracting new long-term institutional investment through both open market and private transactions, and solidifying its current shareholder base by taking these steps toward creating lasting value.
Example For Shareholders of How the 1-for-6 Split Works
A shareholder having 9,000 shares before the split would have 1,500 shares after the split; similarly, a shareholder with 10,000 shares before, would have 1,667 after (taking into effect rounding up).
The Company`s capital structure pre- & post-split is as follows:

Pre-Split Post-Split
(approximate)


Shares Outstanding 60,504,577 10,084,096

Common
Shares Underlying
Convertible Preferred 10,189,763 1,698,294

Warrants-Shares Issuable 21,571,326 3,595,221

Options-Shares Issuable 1,849,500 308,250

Authorized Shares 200,000,000 33,333,333

Options Available for Issuance
under the Company`s Incentive
Plans 2,552,070 425,345
About GCS-100LE
GCS-100LE is a novel carbohydrate compound with potential application in solid tumors and bloodborne cancers. Independent research has shown that Galectin-3, a key target of GCS-100LE is implicated in several cellular activities. GCS-100LE has at least three mechanisms of action: it may induce apoptosis, or programmed cell death; appears to interfere with angiogenesis, the process by which cancer cells recruit a blood supply from the body in order to proliferate; and appears to interfere with a process called cellular adhesion, which plays a key role in metastasis, or the spread of cancer beyond the primary tumor. Galectin-3 has high expression in many cancers, but not in normal cells, conferring broad potential applications for GCS-100LE in solid and bloodborne cancers. GCS-100 has been evaluated at low dose levels in previous clinical trials for patients with colorectal, pancreatic and other types of solid tumors. GCS-100LE, a low ethanol formulation, is currently in a dose escalation Phase I trial for solid tumors with Phase I and II clinical trials for multiple myeloma planned in 2005.
About GlycoGenesys, Inc.
GlycoGenesys, Inc. is a biotechnology company that develops and licenses compounds based on glycobiology. The Company`s drug candidate GCS-100, a unique compound to treat cancer, has been evaluated in previous clinical trials at low dose levels in patients with colorectal, pancreatic and other solid tumors with stable disease and partial response documented. The Company currently is conducting a Phase I dose escalation trial to evaluate higher dose levels of GCS-100LE, a low ethanol formulation of GCS-100, at Sharp Clinical Oncology Research in San Diego, California. Further clinical trials are planned for 2005. Further information is available on GlycoGenesys` web site: www.glycogenesys.com.

Gruß, greenhorn

[nurkeinepanik]

!

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[greenhorn1998]

Hallo!

Ja es ist wirklich kaum abzusehen, wohin sich die Aktie kursmäßig in der nächsten Zeit bewegt. Auf der einen Seite ist das Nasdaq-Listing erst einmal gesichert. Langfristig hängt das, wie das Überleben an sich, von Erfolgsmeldungen ab, die die Aktie beflügeln.

Nur wann kommen diese Erfolgsmeldungen? Nach diesem Split könnte man schon annehmen, dass eben solche News in nächster Zeit nicht anstehen, die der Aktie nach oben helfen könnten. Warum sonst jetzt re-splitten? Weiß allerdings nicht genau, wann ein Delisting überhaupt Thema geworden wäre.

NKP, danke für dein Angebot, werde von mir in Kürze hören lassen.

Gruß, greenhorn

[nurkeinepanik]

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[bullme]

hiho, bin den stock seit 6 monaten am beobachten, die firma scheint progress zu machen.

vor ein paar wochen hatte schon mal bei .35 versucht reinzukommen. meine order ist nicht ausgefuehrt worden.

die mcap ist laecherlich fuer die branche, könnte um die 60-100 mcap haben!

werde noch ein wenig warten, scheint mir aber auch ein klarer buy - nein die 1 usd sehen wir schoon nicht

greetz

[nurkeinepanik]

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[bullme]

hiho, habe soeben mal meine erste long position zu 1.5 usd aufgebaut.

Naturlich hochspekulativ das ganze

grüsse & auf ein gutes 2005 für glgs(d)