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NEWS
RELEASE
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Lorus
Toxicology Program Supports Novel Route of Administration of the Anticancer Drug
LOR-2040 in Bladder Cancer
TORONTO, CANADA, August 5,
2008 - Lorus Therapeutics Inc. (TSX: LOR, AMEX: LRP) (“Lorus”), a
biopharmaceutical company specializing in the research and development of
pharmaceutical products and technologies for the management of cancer, today
announced the successful completion of GLP toxicology studies to explore a novel
route of administration for its clinical-stage anticancer drug,
LOR-2040.
Two
studies were conducted to assess toxicity of LOR-2040 when administered by
intravesical (direct) administration into the bladder. In both studies, no
evidence of toxicity was seen following single or repeated doses of LOR-2040
given with this method of administration. Toxicity was evaluated based on a wide
range of observations including detailed examination of urinary tract
tissues.
The
intravesical toxicology studies are the first assessment of local tissue
toxicity of this drug. LOR-2040 has previously demonstrated low toxicity when
administered intravenously, which is the current route of administration for
this drug in clinical trials.
Successful
completion of these studies supports Lorus’ plan to submit an Investigational
New Drug (IND) application for the use of LOR-2040 in the treatment of bladder
cancer during Q4, 2008.
“By
completing this development program we have demonstrated that LOR-2040 can be
given safely with this new route of administration”, said Dr. Aiping Young,
Lorus’ President and CEO. “The results of these studies provide further
confirmation of the high safety profile seen with LOR-2040 and of the potential
utility of this drug for the treatment of bladder cancer. I am pleased that we
are on schedule to advance LOR-2040 for the treatment of this
indication”.
About
LOR-2040
LOR-2040
(formerly GTI-2040) is an RNA-targeted drug that specifically targets the R2
component of ribonucleotide reductase, which is required for DNA synthesis and
cell proliferation. Through downregulation of R2, LOR-2040 has demonstrated
strong antitumor and antimetastatic activity in a variety of tumor types in both
in vivo and in vitro models and is under
study in a multiple Phase I/II clinical program, including an advanced Phase II
clinical trial with LOR-2040 and high dose Ara-C (HiDAC) in refractory and
relapsed Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). The R2 target has been described as a
malignant determinant that is elevated in a wide range of tumors, and can
cooperate with a variety of cellular cancer causing genes known as oncogenes to
enhance tumor growth and metastatic potential.
About
Lorus
Lorus
is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the research and development of novel
therapeutics in cancer. Lorus’ goal is to capitalize on its research,
preclinical, clinical and regulatory expertise by developing new drug candidates
that can be used, either alone, or in combination with other drugs, to
successfully manage cancer. Through its own discovery efforts and an acquisition
and in-licensing program, Lorus is building a portfolio of promising anticancer
drugs. Lorus Therapeutics Inc. is listed on the Toronto Stock
Exchange under the symbol LOR, and on the American Stock Exchange under the
symbol LRP.
Forward
Looking Statements
This
press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of
Canadian and U.S. securities laws. Such statements include, but are not limited
to, statements relating to: our research program plans, our plans to conduct
clinical trials, the successful and timely completion of clinical studies and
the regulatory approval process, our ability to fund future research, our plans
to obtain partners to assist in the further development of our product
candidates, the establishment of corporate alliances, the Company’s plans,
objectives, expectations and intentions and other statements including words
such as “continue”, “believe”, “plan”, “expect”, “intend”, “will”, “should”,
“may”, and other similar expressions. Such statements reflect our current views
with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties and are
necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while
considered reasonable by us are inherently subject to significant business,
economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies.
Many factors could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be
materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements that
may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, among
others: our ability to obtain the capital required for research and operations,
the inherent risks in early stage drug development including demonstrating
efficacy, development time/cost and the regulatory approval process; the
progress of our clinical trials; our ability to find and enter into agreements
with potential partners; our ability to attract and retain key personnel;
changing market conditions; and other risks detailed from time-to-time in our
ongoing quarterly filings, annual information forms, annual reports and annual
filings with Canadian securities regulators and the United States Securities and
Exchange Commission.
Should
one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should the
assumptions set out in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in our Annual
Information Form underlying those forward-looking statements prove incorrect,
actual results may vary materially from those described herein. These
forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and we
do not intend, and do not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking
statements, except as required by law. We cannot assure you that such statements
will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ
materially from those anticipated in such statements. Investors are cautioned
that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and
accordingly investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking
statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein.
Lorus
Therapeutics Inc.’s recent press releases are available through the Company’s
website at www.lorusthera.com. For Lorus' regulatory filings on SEDAR, please go
to www.Sedar.com. For SEDAR filings prior to July 10, 2007 you will
find these under the company profile for Global Summit Real Estate Inc. (Old
Lorus).
Enquiries:
For
further information, please contact:
Lorus
Therapeutics Inc.
Dr.
Saeid Babaei, 416-798-1200 ext. 490;
ir@lorusthera.com