Hopkinton, MA, October 28, 1997--Creative BioMolecules, Inc. (Nasdaq: CBMI) announced today the results of preclinical studies demonstrating that a single administration of OP-1 enhances motor function following stroke in an animal model. The data was presented by Seth P. Finklestein, MD, of the Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School at the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience in New Orleans, Louisiana. These findings support Creative BioMolecules' work to develop a unique therapy to improve the motor skill recovery process of patients suffering from stroke.
"OP-1 is fundamentally different from other stroke therapies in that it uniquely enhances the recovery process," said Dr. Finklestein. "A growing body of data suggests that OP-1 promotes the development of additional neural pathways, allowing the brain to compensate by rerouting the flow of information around the stroke-damaged area. This therapeutic strategy is distinct from most other approaches, which are aimed at protecting the neurons from the damage and cell death resulting from the stroke."
In the study, Dr. Finklestein measured the motor function recovery of rodents following stroke. Animals receiving one injection of OP-1 twenty-four hours after the stroke regained close to 80 percent of their normal motor function. This was contrasted with the control group, where animals regained less than 50 percent of their previous motor-skills. This data expands upon previous studies that show similar results with up to 8 injections and emphasizes that one dose is sufficient to improve recovery and outcome.
Creative BioMolecules has established a substantial proprietary position in the field of morphogenic proteins, including OP-1. The Company's morphogenic protein programs include a late stage development effort in orthopaedic reconstruction with Stryker Corporation, ongoing research to develop treatments for renal disease with Biogen, Inc., and proprietary new therapies for stroke and other neurological disorders.
This news release includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Factors which could cause actual results to differ from the Company's expectations include, without limitation, the course of the research and development programs, including the achievement of development milestones by the Company and completion of clinical testing, the impact of competitive products, the timely receipt of regulatory clearances required for clinical testing, manufacturing and marketing of products and the other risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in the Company's periodic reports.
NOTE: Creative BioMolecules, Inc. makes available its latest news releases on the Internet at http://www.prnewswire.com or by facsimile by calling Fax On Demand at 1-800-758-5804, extension 212213.
###
Note: For additional information on this news release, please contact the Company.