Press Release
ZIOPHARM Presents ZIO-201 Preclinical Data at Bone Marrow Transplant Meetings
NEW YORK, NY - February 17, 2006 - ZIOPHARM Oncology, Inc. (OTC BB: ZIOP) presented preclinical data today at the 2006 Bone Marrow Transplant Meetings in Honolulu demonstrating that ZIO-201, the Company's proprietary alkylating agent, may have a role in conditioning for bone marrow transplants. The data was presented by Lee Roy Morgan M.D., Ph.D., Robert Peter Gale, M.D., Ph.D., and colleagues.
Alkylators like cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide are widely used to prepare people for blood cell and bone marrow transplant. However, use of these drugs in high doses is complicated by substantial kidney, bladder, and central nervous system toxicities because of the presence of certain metabolites. ZIO-201 is the active metabolite of ifosfamide and therefore is not associated with the adverse effects from other metabolites generated from the metabolism of ifosfamide. Further protective measures, like mesna, and intensive intravenous hydration, are not required.
ZIO-201 was active against a range of animal and human cancers in model systems. Moreover, ZIO-201 was active against cancers resistant to cyclophosphamide and/or ifosfamide. These data suggest a possible role for ZIO-201 in conditioning regimens for blood cell and bone marrow transplants.
ZIO-201 is currently in a phase I study in humans; one subject has stable disease for more than one year. The maximum tolerated dose of ZIO-201 has not been reached and the study is ongoing. A phase I/II study in advanced sarcoma is expected to begin patient enrollment in the near future.
About ZIOPHARM Oncology, Inc.
ZIOPHARM Oncology, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company engaged in the development and commercialization of a diverse, risk-sensitive portfolio of in-licensed cancer drugs to address unmet medical needs. The Company applies new insights from molecular and cancer biology to understand the efficacy and safety limitations of approved and developmental cancer therapies and identifies proprietary and related molecules for better patient treatment. For more information, visit www.ziopharm.com.
Forward-Looking Safe Harbor Statement:
This press release contains forward-looking statements for ZIOPHARM Oncology, Inc. that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results and expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations, forecasts and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from these statements. Among other things, there can be no assurance that any of the Company's development efforts relating to its product candidates will be successful, or such product candidates will be successfully commercialized. Other risks that affect forward-looking information contained in this press release include the possibility of being unable to obtain regulatory approval of the Company's product candidates, the risk that the results of clinical trials may not support the Company's claims, and the Company's reliance on third parties to develop its product candidates. The Company assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law.
Contact:
Kelly Luethje
Manager, Investor Relations/Communication
617-259-1975
