Data shows that E-selectin is key to tumor growth and metastasis to
bone and provides further support for upcoming clinical trial in
patients with metastatic breast cancer
ROCKVILLE, Md.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–GlycoMimetics, Inc. (NASDAQ: GLYC) today announced the publication of a
paper in Nature Cell Biology that describes how tumor cells
engage specific stromal components, most notably E-selectin, for
propagation and outgrowth.1 The paper provides further
scientific support for the clinical trial in breast cancer patients with
bone metastasis that was recently
announced by GlycoMimetics.
Specifically, Esposito et. al. identify an E-selectin ligand expressed
on tumor cells that is necessary for inducing mesenchymal-epithelial
transition (MET) and that drives metastatic progression within the bone
marrow microenvironment. Of note, in preclinical animal models of human
breast cancer, inhibition of E-selectin with GlycoMimetics’ compound
uproleselan (GMI-1271) prevented bone metastases progression and
significantly attenuated bone metastases-associated bone degradation,
resulting in a significant survival advantage in treated tumor-bearing
mice. Previously published work also demonstrates a complimentary role
for CXCR4. Together these observations support the testing of GMI-1359,
GlycoMimetics’ dual-function antagonist, which targets both mechanisms.
“The scientific rationale for potential uses of GMI-1359 in oncology
indications continues to build,” said John L. Magnani, PhD, Chief
Scientific Officer of GlycoMimetics. “This most recent paper contributes
additional understanding to the critical role of E-selectin and to the
potential uses of compounds that target this mechanism in cancer, in
particular in cancers that metastasize to bone.”
About GMI-1359
GMI-1359 is designed to simultaneously inhibit both E-selectin and
CXCR4. E-selectin and CXCR4 are both adhesion molecules involved in
tumor trafficking and metastatic spread. Preclinical studies indicate
that targeting both E-selectin and CXCR4 with a single compound could
improve efficacy in the treatment of cancers that involve the bone
marrow such as AML and multiple myeloma or in solid tumors that
metastasize to the bone, such as prostate cancer and breast cancer.
GMI-1359 has completed a Phase 1 clinical trial in healthy volunteers.
About GlycoMimetics, Inc.
GlycoMimetics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the
discovery and development of novel glycomimetic drugs to address unmet
medical needs resulting from diseases in which carbohydrate biology
plays a key role. GlycoMimetics’ most advanced drug candidate,
rivipansel, a pan-selectin antagonist, is being developed for the
treatment of vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell disease and is being
evaluated in a Phase 3 clinical trial being conducted by its strategic
collaborator, Pfizer. GlycoMimetics’ wholly owned drug candidate,
uproleselan, an E-selectin antagonist, was evaluated in a Phase 1/2
clinical trial as a potential treatment for AML and is being evaluated
across a range of patient populations including a company-sponsored
Phase 3 trial in relapsed/refractory AML. GlycoMimetics has also
completed a Phase 1 clinical trial with a third drug candidate,
GMI-1359, a combined CXCR4 and E-selectin antagonist. GlycoMimetics is
located in Rockville, MD in the BioHealth Capital Region. Learn more at www.glycomimetics.com.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding the
clinical development of the company’s drug candidates, including the
expected timing of completion of clinical trials and the presentation of
clinical data. Actual results may differ materially from those in these
forward-looking statements. For a further description of the risks
associated with these statements, as well as other risks
facing GlycoMimetics, please see the risk factors described in the
company’s annual report on Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC) on March 6, 2018, and other
filings GlycoMimetics makes with the SEC from time to time.
Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this release,
and GlycoMimetics undertakes no obligation to update or revise these
statements, except as may be required by law.
1 Esposito et.al. Nature Cell Biology (April 15)
doi.org/10.1038/s41556-019-0309-2
Contacts
Investor Contact:
Shari Annes, 650-888-0902
sannes@annesassociates.com
Media Contact:
Jamie Lacey-Moreira, 410-299-3310
jamielacey@presscommpr.com