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Genzyme Molecular Oncology and the ATIII LLC Agree to Develop aaATIII as a Potential Cancer TherapySept. 16, 1999/ WiredBird/ -- Genzyme Molecular Oncology (Nasdaq: GZMO) and the ATIII LLC, a joint venture between Genzyme Transgenics Corp. (Nasdaq: GZTC) and Genzyme General (Nasdaq: GENZ), announced today that they have signed a letter of intent to develop and commercialize the angiogenesis inhibitor protein aaATIII as a potential treatment for cancer. Genzyme Molecular Oncology and the ATIII LLC have agreed to equally share in the development costs of an aaATIII cancer therapy and equally share in any profits from a successful oncology product created through the collaboration. The ATIII LLC will have the rights to develop aaATIII for potential non-oncologic indications. Each member of the collaboration will bring its respective expertise and/or resources to the partnership. Additional details were not disclosed. aaATIII, a modified form of antithrombin III (ATIII), is the previously undisclosed antiangiogenesis protein discovered in Dr. Judah Folkman's laboratory and exclusively licensed by Genzyme Molecular Oncology from Children's Hospital in February 1999. Results of Dr. Folkman's preclinical studies of aaATIII, which detail its ability to inhibit angiogenesis in mice, are published in today's issue of Science (see companion press release). Angiogenesis is the proliferation of new blood vessels essential for the survival and growth of most human cells, including tumor cells. Angiogenesis inhibitors like aaATIII target the blood supply to tumor cells. By cutting off this blood supply, angiogenesis inhibitors have the potential to shrink tumors and prevent them from growing and spreading to other parts of the body. "This collaboration is an excellent example of the leverage we have as part of the Genzyme family," said Gail Maderis, president, Genzyme Molecular Oncology. "By providing ample material supply, protein characterization experience, and program funding, the development collaboration significantly strengthens our chances of successfully developing an aaATIII cancer product. Pending successful completion of replication and preclinical studies, the collaboration could file its IND for aaATIII clinical trials as early as 2000." Suzanne Groet, general manager of the ATIII LLC said, "The LLC is pleased to work with Genzyme Molecular Oncology in the development of aaATIII. We look forward to applying our nearly a decade of experience with transgenic ATIII to this antiangiogenic form of the protein and expanding our program to include this indication. The LLC is uniquely positioned to optimize the development of aaATIII as a potential cancer product." Over the next few months, Genzyme will conduct studies to replicate the work of Dr. Folkman's laboratory, conduct other preclinical studies, and scale-up production of the protein. Because of the LLC's experience producing ATIII transgenically, ample quantities of aaATIII are expected to be available for use in development efforts. aaATIII is already being produced for preclinical studies and the ATIII LLC supplied aaATIII to Dr. Folkman's laboratory for some of the preclinical studies detailed in the Science publication. In December 1997, Genzyme Transgenics and Genzyme General established the ATIII LLC as a joint venture for the development of therapeutic indications of recombinant human antithrombin III. The ATIII LLC is currently conducting phase III clinical trials of human recombinant antithrombin III to assess its ability to effectively anticoagulate heparin-resistant patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass. Genzyme Transgenics currently produces recombinant human antithrombin III in the milk of goats at its 350 acre farm in central Massachusetts. Genzyme Molecular Oncology is pursuing multiple approaches to promote antiangiogenesis, including the use of proteins, small molecules, and gene therapies. It has assembled a product development platform that includes integrated technologies, academic and commercial collaborations, and access to the expertise of Genzyme General and Genzyme Transgenics Corporation in clinical development, regulatory affairs, manufacturing, and marketing. Genzyme Molecular Oncology is developing a new generation of cancer products, focusing on cancer vaccines and angiogenesis inhibitors through the integration of its gene discovery, gene therapy, small-molecule drug discovery, protein therapeutic and genetic diagnostic efforts. A division of Genzyme Corporation, Genzyme Molecular Oncology has its own common stock intended to reflect its economic value and track its performance. This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements concerning expectations regarding the formation of an aaATIII research collaboration, scale-up of production of aaATIII and adequate supply of aaATIII for development efforts, the anticipated filing of an IND for aaATIII, and the planned initiation of clinical trials of aaATIII. Actual results may differ materially due to numerous factors, including the ability of the companies to negotiate and execute a definitive collaboration agreement, successfully replicate Dr. Folkman's experiments and complete preclinical studies, and to produce adequate quantities of aaATIII for development activities, the timing and content of submissions to and decisions by the FDA and other regulatory authorities, and the enrollment rate of clinical trials. Genzyme Molecular Oncology will broadcast live over the Internet a conference call discussing this announcement at 9:00 a.m. ET tomorrow, September 17. To listen to the call you need RealPlayer , a computer equipped with speakers, and a sound card. If you miss the live call, the broadcast will be archived through midnight ET on September 30. Investors may also listen to a replay of the conference call by calling 1-800-633-8284 in the United States or 1-619-812-6440 outside the United States from 11:00 a.m. ET tomorrow through midnight ET on September 30. Please refer to reservation #13131298.
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