Enzo Biochem Reports Animal Study Supports Finding of New Therapeutics for Treating Periodontal Bone Loss
Paper on Subject Presented at American Society of Bone Mineral Research Meeting
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Enzo Biochem, Inc. (NYSE:ENZ) announced that scientists at Enzo Therapeutics today reported data from preclinical animal studies on a small molecule compound that could serve as an attractive non-hormonal therapeutic agent for prevention of periodontal bone loss.
Their findings were presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Bone Mineral Research (ASBMR) in Honolulu, Hawaii. The abstract, entitled, "Small Organic Molecule Compound Protects Against Inflammatory Bone Loss in a Rat Model of Periodontitis," was authored by Enzo scientists as well as their collaborators.
The data stems from laboratory research as part of a drug discovery program initiated by Enzo Therapeutics, combining structural biology, computational screening and biological assays to screen for potential small molecule compounds for the treatment of osteoporosis and other conditions resulting from bone loss. One of the compounds, Enzo-D58, when administered orally was shown to prevent alveolar bone loss in a rat periodontal model.
"Its oral bioactivity, in combination with the absence of any observable toxicity makes Enzo-D58 an attractive potential therapeutic agent for preventing alveolar bone loss," the authors said, noting that loss of alveolar bone is one of the most challenging problems in clinical dentistry. Alveolar bone loss is characterized by the reduction in height and volume of the maxillary and mandibular bones that underlie and support teeth. The primary causes of alveolar bone loss are periodontitis and tooth loss, although osteoporosis may contribute. This study is part of Enzo's ongoing research and development into treatments for bone disorders. It is estimated by industry sources that the market for treatment for bone disorders is in excess of $5 billion.
About Enzo
Enzo Biochem is engaged in the research, development and manufacture of innovative health care products based on molecular biology and genetic engineering techniques, and in providing diagnostic services to the medical community. Enzo's Life Sciences division develops, produces and markets proprietary labeling and detection products for gene sequencing and genetic analysis. Its catalog of over 300 products serves the molecular biology, drug discovery and pathology research markets. The Company's therapeutic division is in various stages of clinical evaluation of its proprietary gene medicine for HIV-1 infection and its proprietary immune regulation medicines for uveitis, Crohn's Disease, and NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis), and conducts pre-clinical research on several candidate compounds aimed at producing new mineral and organic bone, including technology that could provide therapy for osteoporosis and fractures, among other applications. Enzo's Clinical Labs division provides routine and esoteric reference laboratory services for physicians in the New York Metropolitan area. Underpinning the Company's technology and operations is an extensive intellectual property estate in which Enzo owns or licenses over 200 patents worldwide and has pending applications for over 180 more. For more information, visit our website www.enzo.com.
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.
Released September 18, 2007