TEMPE, Ariz., Dec. 15, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Capstone Therapeutics (Nasdaq:CAPS) announced today the publication of several abstracts characterizing the science of its novel thrombin peptide Chrysalin(r) (TP508 or rusalatide acetate). The abstracts being presented at the American Society for Cell Biology 48th Annual Meeting (December 13 - 17, 2008 - San Francisco, CA) provide new support for the mechanism of action and observed effects of TP508.
Abstract: Cell Adhesion to Thrombin Peptide, TP508, is RGD-Dependent and Mediated by Integrin alpha-v-beta-3
TP508 targets this important integrin as a potential cellular receptor on endothelial cells, confirming and expanding upon previously published research.
Abstract: Induction of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase (eNOS) and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) Phosphorylation in Endothelial Cells by TP508
Adding TP508 to human arterial endothelial cells (HAECs) leads to an increase in phosphorylated endothelial nitric oxide synthase (peNOS) and results in enhanced production of nitric oxide (NO). Importantly, induction of peNOS occurs in the presence of TP508 at all time points up to 24 hours. NO is a well-defined and critical component of both smooth muscle relaxation and the control of vascular disease.
Abstract: Thrombin- Derived Peptide, TP508, Induces Vasorelaxation in Isolated Rat Aortic Tissue
In living tissue, TP508 induces smooth muscle relaxation in a dose-dependent manner.
"Capstone continues to make significant progress in understanding the science behind Chrysalin," said Randolph C. Steer, MD, Ph.D., President of Capstone. "The integrin, nitric oxide and smooth muscle relaxation data presented at this year's ASCB meeting represent an important body of work undertaken to enhance the value of the Chrysalin platform and confirm previous observations regarding the pleiotropic nature of this molecule."
About Capstone Therapeutics
Capstone Therapeutics (trade name of OrthoLogic Corp.) is a biotechnology company committed to developing a pipeline of novel therapeutic peptides aimed at helping patients with under-served medical conditions. The Company is focused on development and commercialization of two product platforms: AZX100 and Chrysalin(r) (rusalatide acetate or TP508).
The OrthoLogic logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=5429
AZX100 is a novel synthetic 24-amino acid peptide, one of a new class of compounds in the field of smooth muscle relaxation and fibrosis. Based on its demonstrated effects in pre-clinical models, AZX100 is currently being evaluated for commercially significant medical applications such as the treatment of pulmonary disease, the prevention of hypertrophic and keloid scarring and intimal hyperplasia. Capstone has an exclusive worldwide license to AZX100.
Chrysalin, the Company's novel synthetic 23-amino acid peptide, has been proven in multiple pre-clinical and clinical models to stimulate cellular events leading to angiogenesis, revascularization, and repair of dermal and musculoskeletal tissues. It is currently being evaluated in disorders that involve vascular endothelial dysfunction, such as acute myocardial infarction and chronic myocardial ischemia. The Company owns exclusive worldwide rights to Chrysalin.
Capstone's corporate headquarters are in Tempe, Arizona. For more information, please visit the Company's website: www.capstonethx.com.
Statements in this press release or otherwise attributable to Capstone regarding our business that are not historical facts are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements, which include the timing and acceptability of FDA filings and the efficacy and marketability of potential products, involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from predicted results. These risks include: delays in obtaining or inability to obtain FDA, institutional review board or other regulatory approvals of pre-clinical or clinical testing; unfavorable outcomes in our pre-clinical and clinical testing; the development by others of competing technologies and therapeutics that may have greater efficacy or lower cost; delays in obtaining or inability to obtain FDA or other necessary regulatory approval of our products; our inability to successfully and cost effectively develop or outsource manufacturing and marketing of any products we are able to bring to market; changes in FDA or other regulations that affect our ability to obtain regulatory approval of our products, increase our manufacturing costs or limit our ability to market our product; affects on our stock price and liquidity if we are unable to meet the requirements for continued listing on the NASDAQ Global Market; our possible need for additional capital in the future to fund the continued development of our product candidates; and other factors discussed in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, and other documents we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Editor's Note: This press release is also available under the Investors section of the Company's website at www.capstonethx.com.