Avigen Collaborating with University of Colorado Pain Expert to Develop Novel Therapy to Treat Neuropathic Pain
Science Magazine Recognizes Advances Made By Linda Watkins, Ph.D. in Glial Cell Research in Chronic Neuropathic Pain
Alameda, CA, May 24, 2005 - Avigen, Inc. (Nasdaq: AVGN), a leader in the development of innovative therapies for the treatment of chronic neurological conditions, announced today that a feature report in Science Magazine, supports the scientific research and therapeutic development the Company has championed of the important role glial cells play in controlling chronic pain. Avigen's leading collaborator in the treatment of neuropathic pain, Linda Watkins, Ph.D., a noted pain specialist, and Professor of Psychology and Director, Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program at the University of Colorado at Boulder, was prominently featured in the report for her acclaimed "contributions to understanding the mechanisms of pain."
According to the report, Dr. Watkins "has shifted the once-heretical view that glia are key players in neuropathic pain into the mainstream." Based on their role in healthy brains, researchers are now reconsidering the connection of glial cells to diseases. The emerging scientific realization that the nervous system's glial cells may have key roles in a variety of central nervous system (CNS) disorders such as neuropathic pain, epilepsy, Alzheimer's, schizophrenia, depression, and other neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders, was the focus of the report, "The Dark Side of Glia ."
"It is certainly an honor to be included in such a prestigious publication, which is recognizing the groundswell of emerging research of the nervous system's glial cells. I am very excited about the realization that treating pain is not just about neurons, but it also involves glial cells, which we and others have now shown are active in creating and maintaining pain. This report in Science is a major step in underscoring the importance of our work and focusing attention on glial cells as the key to creating targeted therapies for chronic pain and other debilitating central nervous system disorders," commented Dr. Watkins.
Fifty million people in the United States suffer from chronic pain as the result of nerve damage caused by injury, surgery, viral infection, AIDS, or chemotherapy. In neuropathic pain, damage to neurons result in long-term changes in the functioning of the nervous system. Although the neurons are clearly affected by these changes, glial cells are also greatly altered. The currently available treatments, which directly target the neurons, have limited effectiveness in relieving neuropathic pain.
Seeking another approach to controlling neuropathic pain, Avigen, in collaboration with Dr. Watkins and her team, is working on a potential pain therapy using interleukin-10 (IL-10), a powerful naturally occurring anti-inflammatory protein, to block or reverse glial activation. In pre-clinical models IL-10 has exhibited an impressive efficacy profile. Avigen is developing various IL-10 related drug candidates, including AV333 which is a nonviral-based therapy designed to deliver the gene that expresses IL-10 and thereby reduce the pain signals emanating from the affected part of the body.
"This recognition by Science is another testament to Linda Watkins' extraordinary achievements in revolutionizing the scientific community's focus and acceptance that the pain pathway is more than a simple chain of neurons. Just last month, her peers in the American Pain Society honored Linda for her contributions to the field of pain research with the Frederick W. L. Kerr Basic Science Research Award. We are proud of our collaboration with her and look forward to continuing in our shared mission to bring a revolutionary therapeutic to the many millions of people suffering with chronic neuropathic pain," said Avigen's President and CEO Kenneth G. Chahine.
Science Magazine is an international weekly science journal published by the American Association for Advancement of Science (AAAS). Avigen's use of the above mention ed article has been approved, and the link provided by, Science Magazine. It can be accessed through the link below:
ftp://ftp.sheridan.com/pub/ePRINT/AAAS/aaas_miller_eprint.zip
**Instructions on how to view the PDF file:
Click on the ftp link as shown above. The "File Download" box will prompt up. Click on "Open" and the computer will automatically download and open the "aaas_miller_eprint.zip" file. Doubleclick on the "aaas_miller_eprint.exe" file to view the PDF file.
About Avigen
Avigen, Inc., based in the San Francisco Bay Area, is committed to developing innovative therapeutics to treat serious disorders, primarily focused on neurological conditions. Avigen recently announced that it will exclusively focus on the development of traditional pharmaceutical products, particularly small molecules and biologics. Additional information about the Avigen can be found at www.avigen.com.
Investors Please Note: The statements in this news release regarding Avigen's expectations for chronic pain research and AV333 are forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from current expectations due to a variety of factors, including: failure to identify a candidate drug for clinical development, uncertainty in obtaining or maintaining approvals and authorizations required by regulatory or institutional authorities due to a number of possible reasons, including unanticipated responses to the treatment; and results in preclinical trials with animals are not necessarily indicative of results that will be obtained in humans. In addition, there are many other risks and uncertainties inherent in the development of drug products. Please refer to the risk factors detailed in the Company's periodic reports and registration statements as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees. There can be no assurance that the Company's expectations for its products in development or future financial performance will be achieved. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. Avigen undertakes no responsibility to revise or update any such forward-looking information.
______________________________________________________________
Contact: Michael Coffee
Chief Business Officer
Avigen, Inc.
1301 Harbor Bay Parkway , Alameda , CA 94502
Tel: 510-748-7372
Fax: 510-748-7155
Internet: mcoffee@avigen.com
Linda Watkins, Ph.D., UCB
303-492-7034
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