Senesco
Technologies, Inc. ("Senesco" or the "Company") (Amex: SNT) announced
further details of its continuing preclinical multiple myeloma research. In
February 2008, the Company announced results of preclinical animal studies
in which Senesco's Factor 5A technology, encapsulated in nanoparticles, was
able to induce apoptosis in multiple myeloma tumors when injected
intratumorally.
Senesco has continued its research in both preclinical animal models
and human multiple myeloma cell lines, while also studying intravenous
delivery of its therapy. In its previously announced preclinical testing
and its recent expanded studies, the Company has used a combination therapy
of its siRNA against Factor 5A, as well as a plasmid of the Factor 5A gene
encapsulated in a nanoparticle.
Whether the combination therapy was injected intratumorally or
systemically, human multiple myeloma tumors grown subcutaneously in the
flanks of immunodeficient mice were reduced by approximately 95% versus
tumors in untreated mice. Additionally, groups of treated mice were studied
for up to three weeks after the last therapeutic injection and in mice
whose tumors had regressed, the tumors did not regenerate.
In human multiple myeloma cell line studies, Senesco determined that
its siRNA may sensitize cells for apoptosis through a reduction in
activation of NFkB, a key inflammatory transcription factor. The siRNA also
reduced levels of ICAM (intracellular adhesion molecule), a binding
molecule, which is involved in promoting tissue inflammation.
The Company, together with its clinical research organization, is
evaluating potential manufacturing centers for its materials, planning
preclinical toxicology studies and continuing preclinical disease model
studies.
About Senesco Technologies, Inc.
Senesco Technologies, Inc. is a U.S. biotechnology company,
headquartered in New Brunswick, NJ. Senesco has initiated preclinical
research to trigger or delay cell death in mammals (apoptosis) to determine
if the technology is applicable in human medicine. Accelerating apoptosis
may have applications to development of cancer treatments. Delaying
apoptosis may have applications to certain inflammatory and ischemic
diseases. Senesco takes its name from the scientific term for the aging of
plant cells: senescence. Delaying cell breakdown in plants extends
freshness after harvesting, while increasing crop yields, plant size and
resistance to environmental stress. The Company believes that its
technology can be used to develop superior strains of crops without any
modification other than delaying natural plant senescence. Senesco has
partnered with leading-edge companies engaged in agricultural biotechnology
and earns research and development fees for applying its gene-regulating
platform technology to enhance its partners' products.
Certain statements included in this press release are forward-looking
statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995. Actual results could differ materially from such statements
expressed or implied herein as a result of a variety of factors, including,
but not limited to: the development of the Company's gene technology; the
approval of the Company's patent applications; the successful
implementation of the Company's research and development programs and joint
ventures; the success of the Company's license agreements; the acceptance
by the market of the Company's products; success of the Company's
preliminary studies and preclinical research; competition and the timing of
projects and trends in future operating performance, our ability to
maintain our continued listing standards for the next 12 months, as well as
other factors expressed from time to time in the Company's periodic filings
with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). As a result, this
press release should be read in conjunction with the Company's periodic
filings with the SEC. The forward- looking statements contained herein are
made only as of the date of this press release, and the Company undertakes
no obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect
subsequent events or circumstances.
Senesco Technologies, Inc.
senesco