Conference Reports
The 4th Rodman and Renshaw Global Healthcare Conference
Monte Carlo, Monaco, 14th-15th May 2007
As Monte Carlo prepared itself for the excitement of the 65th Monaco Grand Prix, it played the perfect host to the 4th Acumen BioFin Rodman & Renshaw Global Healthcare Conference. Set in such a glamorous location, and with the high expectations associated with Rodman and Renshaw, it is no surprise the event commenced with style and finesse - with a string quartet serenading attendees at the 'Riviera Chic'-themed Welcome Reception held at the conference hotel's Sea Club. Company Executive Officers were then treated to a Cabaret Dinner at the Monte Carlo Casino.
Presentations began early on the Monday, with Aus Bio providing a detailed pipeline update including mechanism of action details and preclinical data for its novel diabetic therapy, MD-960. By targeting the associated leucocyte antigen-related protein tyrosine phosphatases, it demonstrated reproducible efficacy in combating insulin resistance, allowing simultaneously administered insulin to control glucose levels. Oncology-focused OncoVista spoke of its clinical-stage drug cordycepin, advising that an IND for a Phase I/II trial in 100 patients with chronic myelogenous leukaemia, acute myelogenous leukaemia and acute lymphatic leukaemia has been approved. OncoVista hopes to register the molecule in 2009. Another interesting presentation came from Glycadia, which advised that by preventing proteins such as albumin from becoming glycosylated, its novel compound, GLY-230, could prevent kidney diseases such as proteinuria, which is commonly developed by diabetics. A single-ascending dose Phase I trial in 54 patients has demonstrated no serious adverse events as well as predictable dose-dependent pharmacokinetics. An ongoing Phase Ib/IIa trial in healthy and diabetic patients is expected to produce results by the end of 2007.
Afternoon presentations included those from Hemispherix, Idera and Wilex, as well as from the recently renamed 'Silence Therapeutics' - the final result of the merger between Atugen and SR Pharma. Silence is concentrating on its patent-protected siRNA technique that it states could potentially be applied to all pharmaceutical targets. With their catalytic characteristics, siRNAs have up to a 1000-fold greater potency compared to their stoichiometric molecular targeting equivalents, and with their faster development schedule, successful products could provide longer on-patent sales periods.
The Gala dinner proved a perfect, if somewhat surreal, break in this successful conference. The spectacular arrangement offered top-class food from the Salle Des Etiolles Summer Sporting Club, free flowing champagne, and musical entertainment from Diana Ross, who looked spectacular in a continually changing wardrobe of red, black and white dresses with matching feather boas. The electric atmosphere gave executives the perfect chance to unwind, reflect on the business opportunities of the last day and discuss the potential of the next in an environment of laughter and excitement. With a classic rendition of 'Ain't no mountain high enough,' and an encore of 'I will survive', Ms Ross dazzled the crowd for over an hour and a half with non-stop enthusiasm, and in a magnificent finale, the ballroom's roof-top opened to reveal a firework extravaganza! After this fantastic event, the night continued below at Jimmy'z night club, where the 70s-style dance floor proved the perfect opportunity for many executives to dance the night away.
Tuesday was filled with a number of captivating presentations, many of which began with a humorous anecdote from the night before. Cylene gave a fascinating presentation explaining its motives behind targeting the nucleolus to develop novel anticancers. It advised that its leading nucleolus-disrupter, CX-3543, has demonstrated widespread systemic infiltration, post-administration, but has also demonstrated inactivity in healthy tissue such as bone marrow, suggesting great potential as a non-toxic therapeutic. In preclinical studies in animals, PET scans have demonstrated that CX-3543 can reduce tumours to a necrotic core in just 2 days.
In a private meeting, the CEO of Hunter-Fleming, Mike Capaldi, discussed his company's Phase II candidate, HF-0220, a naturally-occurring steroid containing a 7β-hydroxy group that has potential in Alzheimer's disease, colitis and rheumatoid arthritis. Mr Capaldi explained that by indirectly upregulating 15d-PGJ2, a natural steroid that appears to be absent in the brains of Alzheimer's patients, HF-0220 might have considerable therapeutic benefits. Hunter-Fleming plans to out-license the development of the oral formulation of the compound to a large partner for development in such indications, whilst retaining development of a topical version for itself. With 2nd generation HF-1220 compounds already in development, as well 6 patents granted and further patents pending for the mechanism of action, the company looks set for a successful year.
The Closing Reception was held on the sunny terrace of the Monte Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, with cellists providing the perfect musical background as attendees bade their final goodbyes. This year's Rodman and Renshaw Annual Global conference was once again an excellent opportunity to network in style, and quite aptly, it was the calming sound of the lapping of Mediterranean waves that marked the end of this highly anticipated meeting.
Samantha Richards
Pharmaprojects Analysts
