Achillion Presents Novel Research on Factor D Inhibition at the XXVIth International Complement Workshop
September 06 2016 - 6:05AM
Achillion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq:ACHN)
today announced the presentation of two posters which detailed
novel preclinical research into complement biology and the
inhibition of factor D by ACH-4471 during the XXVIth International
Complement Workshop, September 4 - 8, 2016, in Kanazawa, Ishikawa,
Japan.
Researchers from Achillion presented a poster
entitled “Assessment of complement-mediated bacterial
killing and the effect of a small molecule factor D inhibitor in
vitro” that described the effect of inhibiting different
complement pathways on bacterial killing via two critical
mechanisms: lysis and opsonophagocytosis. A second poster from
Achillion, entitled “Comparison of complement functional
assays: Differential sensitivities of hemolysis and Wieslab assays
to levels of complement proteins C5, factor B, and factor
D,” detailed the similarities and differences between
inhibition of the alternative versus classical pathway in in vitro
assays of complement activity.
“As we build upon our broad knowledge of the
complement system, we continue to learn more about the unique role
of the alternative pathway, its distinctions from the classical and
lectin pathways, and its potential advantages in the treatment of
rare diseases,” commented Milind Deshpande, Ph.D., President and
Chief Executive Officer of Achillion. "With this important and
exciting research, we continue to highlight the potential of factor
D inhibition and look forward to advancing our first
orally-administered small molecule, ACH-4471, into phase 2 clinical
trials for both C3G and PNH during the fourth quarter of this
year."
Reprints of the posters presented at the XXVIth
International Complement Workshop will be available from the
Resources section of the Achillion website at
http://www.achillion.com.
About the Achillion Complement Factor D
Platform
Achillion has leveraged its internal discovery
capabilities and a novel complement-related platform to develop
small molecule drug candidates that are oral inhibitors of
complement factor D. Factor D is an essential serine protease
involved in the complement pathway, a part of the innate immune
system. Achillion's complement platform is focused on seeking to
advance small molecule compounds that inhibit factor D and can
potentially be used in the treatment of immune-related diseases in
which complement alternative pathway plays a critical role.
Potential indications being evaluated for these compounds include
paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), C3 glomerulopathy (C3G),
and dry age-related macular degeneration (dry AMD).
About Achillion
Pharmaceuticals
Achillion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:ACHN) is
a science-driven, patient-focused company seeking to leverage its
strengths across the continuum from discovery to commercialization
in its goal of providing better treatments for people with serious
diseases. The company employs a highly-disciplined discovery and
development approach that has allowed it to pursue best-in-class
oral antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C (HCV) and build a
platform of potent and specific complement inhibitors. Achillion is
rapidly advancing its efforts to become a fully-integrated
pharmaceutical company with a goal of bringing life-saving
medicines to patients with rare diseases. More information is
available at http://www.achillion.com.
Cautionary Note Regarding
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes forward-looking
statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995 that are subject to risks, uncertainties and
other important factors that could cause actual results to differ
materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements.
Achillion may use words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,”
“intend,” “plan,” “aim,” “believe,” “seek,” “ estimate,” “can,”
“focus,” “will,” “look forward,” “goal,” “potential,” and “may” and
similar expressions to identify such forward-looking statements.
These forward-looking statements also include statements about: the
potential for the Company’s complement factor D inhibitor
compounds, including ACH-4471, to serve as a novel approach to
treating alternative pathway complement-mediated diseases such as
C3G and PNH; the potential for the ACH-4471 data to inform future
trials and study protocols; the Company’s development plans and
timelines for ACH-4471; the Company’s belief that its platform
could play a role in addressing the needs of specified types of
patients; and statements regarding the Company’s plans, prospects
and strategies. Among the important factors that could cause actual
results to differ materially from those indicated by such
forward-looking statements are risks relating to, among other
things Achillion’s ability to: replicate in later clinical studies
any favorable findings in preclinical or early-stage healthy
volunteers studies of ACH-4471; advance the preclinical and
clinical development of its complement factor D inhibitors under
the timelines it projects in current and future preclinical studies
and clinical trials; obtain and maintain patent protection for its
drug candidates and the freedom to operate under third party
intellectual property; demonstrate in any current and future
clinical trials the requisite safety, efficacy and combinability of
its drug candidates; obtain and maintain necessary regulatory
approvals; establish commercial manufacturing arrangements;
identify, enter into and maintain collaboration agreements with
third-parties; compete successfully in the markets in which it
seeks to develop and commercialize its product candidates and
future products; manage expenses; manage litigation; raise the
substantial additional capital needed to achieve its business
objectives; and successfully execute on its business strategies.
These and other risks are described in the reports filed by
Achillion with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission,
including its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter
ended June 30, 2016, and its subsequent SEC filings.
In addition, any forward-looking statement in
this press release represents Achillion’s views only as of the date
of this press release and should not be relied upon as representing
its views as of any subsequent date. Achillion disclaims any duty
to update any forward-looking statement, except as required by
applicable law.
Investors:
Glenn Schulman
Executive Director, Investor Relations
Achillion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Tel. (203) 752-5510
gschulman@achillion.com
Media:
Liz Power
Senior Director, Public Relations
Achillion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Tel: (203) 752-5509
lpower@achillion.com
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