Progenics presents preclinical data on novel monoclonal antibodies against toxins produced by C. difficile

Progenics Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: PGNX) today announced the presentation of preclinical data on novel monoclonal antibodies against toxins produced by the bacterium Clostridium difficile (C. difficile). The monoclonal antibodies effectively neutralized the cell-killing activities of the toxins in vitro and significantly improved survival in a stringent animal model of C. difficile infection. C. difficile is the leading cause of hospital-acquired diarrhea in the United States and represents a growing global public health challenge. The monoclonal antibodies were identified as part of the Company's ongoing drug discovery efforts in infectious diseases. The data were presented today at the 110^th General Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology in San Diego.

“Our antibodies represent a non-antibiotic treatment strategy that is designed to block the harmful effects of the toxins while allowing the colon to heal naturally and become repopulated with normal bacteria. We look forward to completing additional preclinical studies in order to select the optimal antibodies for development.”

C. difficile-associated disease typically occurs when an individual is exposed to this pathogen while taking antibiotics, since a course of antibiotic treatment can disrupt the normal intestinal bacteria and provide an opportunity for infection in the colon. The C. difficile bacteria produce two toxins, A and B, that can damage cells that line the colon, and can result in mild-to-severe diarrhea and, in some cases, potentially life-threatening inflammation of the colon.

"The discovery of novel monoclonal antibodies to C. difficile toxins leverages our expertise in antibody development, infectious diseases and gastroenterology," stated Paul J. Maddon, M.D., Ph.D., Founder, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Science Officer of Progenics. "Our antibodies represent a non-antibiotic treatment strategy that is designed to block the harmful effects of the toxins while allowing the colon to heal naturally and become repopulated with normal bacteria. We look forward to completing additional preclinical studies in order to select the optimal antibodies for development."