Eos Biotechnology announced the filing of an Investigational New Drug Application (IND) for its therapeutic antibody, Eos200-4. The candidate has been shown to inhibit angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, using in vitro and in vivo models. The role of the molecular target for Eos200-4 in angiogenesis was discovered and developed using Eos' internal genome wide target identification and validation capabilities.

The mechanism of action of Eos200-4 is distinct from other anti-angiogenic candidates in clinical trials. The therapeutic antibody works by inhibiting the interaction between activated endothelial cells and their extra-cellular environment, a pivotal step needed for the formation of new, tumor-sustaining blood vessels. The specific endothelial cell surface receptor blocked by Eos200-4, called alpha 5 beta 1 integrin, is required for all angiogenesis, independent of which pro-angiogenic factors are being secreted by tumors. It may be a final critical pathway in the process of angiogenesis.

"Eos was founded in 1997 to capitalize on the wealth of information being generated by the Human Genome Project and apply our own genome-wide approach to drug discovery and development. We are delighted to be filing our first IND for a therapeutic antibody based on this approach," said David Martin, CEO, Eos Biotechnology. "In less than five years, we have created an integrated process to rapidly identify and validate therapeutic targets and to develop and evaluate antibodies to them. We currently have a significant pipeline of important product candidates moving from research activities to development."

The changing gene activity pattern of the target for Eos200-4 in angiogenesis was detected using the company's proprietary human genome-wide DNA array platform, Hu03. Data from Eos' custom-developed arrays and integrated discovery process were enhanced by independent research from Dr. Judy Varner's laboratory at the University of California at San Diego. Dr. Varner's laboratory continues to pursue studies of this molecule with support, in part, from Eos.

Eos has used its discovery process to identify hundreds of other targets with novel utility and currently has approximately 30 of these in its therapeutic antibody pipeline. These antibodies target a number of cancers, including prostate, lung, colon, ovarian and breast cancers. Eos intends to introduce antibodies attacking these targets into pre-clinical and clinical development over the next 2 years on its own or in collaboration with other biopharmaceutical companies.