Drug Candidate SK1‑I Shown to Markedly
Decrease Lupus-Associated Immune Criteria and Kidney Inflammation
in Preclinical Study
Study is Further Confirmation of Enzo
Biochem’s Proprietary Compound’s Potential for Treatment of this
and other Autoimmune Diseases
Enzo Biochem, Inc. (NYSE:ENZ) today announced the publication of
a study in The FASEB Journal by academic researchers that shows
drug candidate “SK1‑I,” the company’s proprietary Sphingosine
Kinase 1 inhibitor, markedly reduced Lupus-associated parameters in
a recognized, chemically-induced animal model of Systemic Lupus
Erythematosus, commonly known as “Lupus.” This treatment resulted
in reductions in interferon (IFN) signature, pDC activation and
glomerulonephritis, the inflammation of the filtration units of the
kidney. Significantly, SK1-I was not only effective when
administered simultaneously with the chemical induction of Lupus in
this model, but was also effective when administered thirty (30)
days after the chemical induction of the disorder. In further
confirmation that the effects of SK1-I in the Lupus model are the
result of inhibiting the enzyme Sphingosine Kinase 1, the effects
were mirrored by genetic deletion of the enzyme. These results
suggest that SK1-I may have potential in the treatment of
Lupus.
Enzo CEO Dr. Elazar Rabbani commented: “The promising results
shown by SK1-I, Enzo’s Sphingosine Kinase 1 inhibitor drug
candidate, in this preclinical model of Lupus further confirms its
potential for the treatment of autoimmune diseases where, in
addition to Lupus, SK1-I has already shown activity in animal
models of autoimmune hepatitis and ulcerative colitis.”
Lupus is a common autoimmune disease that has a profound impact
on the quality of life of affected individuals. Common symptoms
include pain, extreme fatigue, hair loss, cognitive issues, and
physical impairments. Many suffer from cardiovascular disease,
strokes, disfiguring rashes, and painful joints. The Lupus
Foundation of America estimates that 1.5 million Americans, and at
least five million people worldwide, have a form of Lupus, with
Systemic Lupus accounting for 70% of all cases. While anyone can
develop Lupus, 90% of people living with the disease are women.
Currently, there is no cure for Lupus and treatment options are
limited.
“This published study demonstrates the important clinical work
being done in our Therapeutics subsidiary and its inherent value,”
continued Elazar Rabbani. “The treatment of Lupus and other
autoimmune diseases represents a large unmet medical need and
commercial opportunity for Enzo. We have initiated toxicology work
on this compound as a preclinical effort in support of our program.
As Enzo considers alternatives to unlock value in its Therapeutics
subsidiary, we are exploring partnership approaches for the
continued development of SK1-I in this therapeutic area with the
intention of moving to human trials.”
In December 2019, Enzo announced it will consider various
avenues to unlock value in Enzo Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical
subsidiary of Enzo Biochem. Alternatives under consideration
include a possible spin-off, sale, joint venture or licensing of
its intellectual property.
Sphingosine Kinase 1 is a key enzyme in the Sphingosine pathway
that has been implicated in tumor cell growth and pathological
inflammation. The enzyme acts by phosphorylating the intra-cellular
Sphingosine to Sphingosine 1-Phosphate (“S1P”), an important
biological mediator of tumor cell proliferation and drug resistance
in various cancers, and of immune function.
SK1-I is a small molecule that specifically inhibits Sphingosine
Kinase 1 and has shown activity in various animal models of cancers
and autoimmune diseases. SK1-I and related compounds, as well as
pharmaceutical uses of the compounds, are covered by a family of
issued U.S. patents co-owned by Enzo and Virginia Commonwealth
University and exclusively licensed by VCU to Enzo. Foreign patent
family members have also issued or been allowed.
About Enzo Biochem
Enzo Biochem is a pioneer in molecular diagnostics, leading the
convergence of clinical laboratories, life sciences and
intellectual property through the development of unique diagnostic
platform technologies that provide numerous advantages over
previous standards. A global company, Enzo Biochem utilizes
cross-functional teams to develop and deploy products, systems and
services that meet the ever-changing and rapidly growing needs of
health care today and into the future. Underpinning Enzo Biochem’s
products and technologies is a broad and deep intellectual property
portfolio, with patent coverage across a number of key enabling
technologies.
Important Additional Information and Where
to Find It
Enzo Biochem, Inc. (the “Company”) has filed and mailed to
shareholders a definitive proxy statement and proxy supplement on
Schedule 14A and accompanying proxy card with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) in connection with the solicitation
of proxies from the Company’s shareholders with respect to its 2019
Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The Company has filed and is
mailing to shareholders a new definitive proxy supplement and new
GOLD proxy card. Shareholders are
strongly encouraged to read the Company’s proxy statement, proxy
supplements, accompanying GOLD proxy
card and all other documents filed with the SEC as they become
available carefully and in their entirety as they contain important
information.
Certain Information Regarding Participants
to the Solicitation
The Company, its directors and certain of its executive officers
are participants in the solicitation of proxies from shareholders
in connection with the Company’s 2019 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders. Information regarding the direct and indirect
interests, by security holdings or otherwise of the Company’s
participants is set forth in the Company’s definitive proxy
statement and proxy supplements for the 2019 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders filed with the SEC on December 5, 2019, December 31,
2019 and February 14, 2020, respectively. The Company’s definitive
proxy statement and proxy supplements can be found on the SEC’s
website at www.sec.gov or the Company’s website at
http://www.enzo.com/corporate/investor-information.
Forward-Looking Statements
Except for historical information, the matters discussed in this
release may be considered "forward-looking" statements within the
meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Such statements include declarations regarding the intent, belief
or current expectations of the Company and its management,
including those related to cash flow, gross margins, revenues, and
expenses which are dependent on a number of factors outside of the
control of the Company including, inter alia, the markets for the
Company’s products and services, costs of goods and services, other
expenses, government regulations, litigation, and general business
conditions. See Risk Factors in the Company’s Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended July 31, 2019. Investors are cautioned that any
such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future
performance and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that
could materially affect actual results. The Company disclaims any
obligations to update any forward-looking statement as a result of
developments occurring after the date of this release.
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version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200219005093/en/
For: Enzo Biochem, Inc. David Bench, CFO 212-583-0136
dbench@enzo.com or ESPR LLC 917-291-0833 Elliot.espr@gmail.com
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