Hopkinton, MA, October 30, 1997--Six studies demonstrating the role of OP-1 on the structure and function of neurons were presented this week at the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience in New Orleans, Louisiana, Creative BioMolecules, Inc. reported today (Nasdaq: CBMI). The studies, conducted by researchers in the United States and Europe, demonstrate the importance of OP-1 in the biology of the nervous system and the potential for OP-1 as a therapy for stroke and other neurological diseases.
Several studies presented looked at the role of OP-1 on the formation of dendrites, a critical component in the establishment of connections between neurons. In the studies, OP-1 was shown to induce the growth of dendrites on neurons from several regions of the nervous system. These results further show that OP-1 induced dendrites formed functional connections, or synapses, with neighboring neurons.
Additional studies investigated the presence of receptors to OP-1 in neurons during development. Investigators identified receptors for OP-1 in multiple neuronal cultures including the developing retina of the eye. The presence of such receptors supports the important role of OP-1 in development of the central nervous system. This work may lead to a better understanding of the processes by which the nervous system develops and how to repair these tissues after damage from injury or disease.
"These studies are important for Creative BioMolecules as they show the breadth of the involvement of OP-1 in the central nervous system," commented Marc Charette, PhD, a senior scientist with Creative BioMolecules. "In addition, they support previously reported preclinical studies demonstrating that the administration of OP-1 after stroke can enhance motor function recovery."
Creative BioMolecules, Inc. 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 the development of 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.
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