Enzo Scientists Report on Key Discovery of Novel Targets for Metabolic Bone Disease and Other Conditions

Osteoporosis, Cancer and Metabolic Disorders Among Targets for Potential Therapeutics

According to the NIH, More than 40 Million People in the US Either Have or Are at Risk of Developing Osteoporosis -- A Major Women's Health Issue (More than 30% of Post-Menopausal Women Have Osteoporosis)

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Enzo Biochem Inc. (NYSE: ENZ) today reported that scientists from its Enzo Therapeutics group presented a podium session entitled "The Presence of Sulfated Tyrosine In Scelerostin and Dkk1 Ligands and its Effect on Wnt Signaling" at the WNT 2011 conference in Los Angeles Thursday, June 30, 2011.

"Our scientific team has identified a new target on a key modulator of the Wnt system that not only allows for development of novel antibodies for the modulation of this important pathway, but it has also identified a small peptide that can accomplish the same modulation without the need for antibodies," said Dr. Elazar Rabbani, CEO of Enzo Biochem.

"We believe that this exciting discovery opens up the possibility for the development of a new class of therapeutic products for the treatment of numerous important diseases, including cancer and metabolic disorders," added Dr. Rabbani. "Moreover, Enzo's discovery could be important in the development of companion diagnostics and prognostics that could be invaluable in the effective management of patients afflicted with these conditions."

The work performed by Enzo's scientific team showed the existence of an entirely new class of modification of scelerostin and Dkk proteins which exhibit significant biological function. These proteins have been shown to inhibit the Wnt signaling pathway, and therefore mediate the development of numerous diseases. As an example, fluctuation in the level of these proteins has been shown to affect such serious conditions as osteoporosis. It has been reported that anti-scelerostin anabolics are among the most exciting development in the treatment of bone disorders.

Osteoporosis is a major women's health issue, affecting 30% of post-menopausal women. For the 40 million persons in the US who have or are at risk for developing osteoporosis--10 million of whom are currently in treatment for osteoporosis--and their physicians, the availability of an oral peptide would be a novel and appealing option as compared to current injectable treatment options.

About Enzo Biochem

Enzo Biochem, Inc., is a growth-oriented integrated life sciences and biotechnology company focused on harnessing biological process to develop research tools, diagnostics and therapeutics, and serves as a provider of test services, including exotic tests, to the medical community. Since our founding in 1976, our strategic focus has been on the development of enabling technologies in the life sciences field. Enzo Life Sciences develops, produces and markets proprietary labeling and detection products for gene sequencing, genetic analysis and immunological research, among others. Its catalog of over 30,000 products serves the molecular biology, drug discovery and pathology research markets worldwide. Enzo Clinical Labs provides laboratory services for a growing roster of physicians in the New York Metropolitan area, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Its tests include, in addition to routine tests, capabilities for detecting molecular infection disease, molecular oncology, autoimmune disorders and genetics. Enzo Clinical Labs also provides clinical diagnostic services that allow Enzo to capitalize on its extensive advanced molecular and cytogenetic capabilities and the broader trends in predictive and personalized diagnostics. Enzo Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical venture that has developed multiple novel approaches in the areas of gastrointestinal, infectious, ophthalmic and metabolic diseases. It has focused its efforts on developing treatment regimens for diseases and conditions for which current treatment options are ineffective, costly, and/or cause unwanted side effects. In the course of the company's research and development activities, Enzo has also developed a substantial portfolio of intellectual property asset with patent coverage across a number of key technologies.

Except for historical information, the matters discussed in this news 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. 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 press release.


    Source: Enzo Biochem Inc.