Titan Announces Pivanex(R) Is Active Against Cancer-Related Genes Data presented at the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., Nov. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Titan Pharmaceuticals, Inc. today announced new preclinical study results demonstrating that Pivanex, Titan's novel chemotherapeutic agent in development, inhibits key enzymes and related cancer promoting genes in lung cancer cells. The data were presented today in Boston at the AACR-NCI-EORTC Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics. Pivanex is an anti-cancer agent in development that acts by inhibiting enzymes called histone deacetylases (HDAC). This results in slowing of tumor growth and destruction of cancer cells. Using a human lung cancer cell line as a model for Pivanex's activity, Titan examined HDAC inhibition at various time points following a single in vitro addition of Pivanex. Changes in histones and key tumor related genes and proteins were also quantified. The new results show that the inhibition of histone deacetylase activity by Pivanex in non-small cell lung cancer cells causes multiple events to occur that contribute to the killing of cancer cells. Important changes observed include rapid decreases in the oncogene c-myc, the pro-angiogenic Id-1, an inhibitor of differentiation, and the apoptosis inhibitor Bcl-2. Each of these changes promote destruction of cancer cells. In addition, treatment with Pivanex increases the expression of the tumor suppressor p53 and retinoblastoma (Rb) proteins, which act to control tumor cell proliferation. "These results provide further important data regarding mechanisms underlying Pivanex's anticancer activity," said Dr. Elzbieta Izbicka, Associate Professor of Medicine, University of Texas - Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas. "The unique mechanistic profile and beneficial effect of Pivanex in this study on validated, cancer related targets strongly support the possible utility of Pivanex in treatment of lung cancer and other cancers." Pivanex is a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor that distributes rapidly into tissues and induces cell differentiation and apoptosis in a wide range of tumor cells. Pivanex is currently being tested in a Phase IIb clinical study in combination with docetaxel for second-line treatment of NSCLC. This ongoing multicenter, randomized, controlled study will enroll 225 patients at more than 50 study sites, and will evaluate the safety and efficacy of Pivanex plus docetaxel, versus docetaxel alone. In addition to this study, Titan plans to launch open label Phase II clinical studies of Pivanex in refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia and melanoma next quarter. "These findings are encouraging," stated Louis R. Bucalo, M.D., Chairman, President and CEO of Titan, "and support the ongoing development of Pivanex for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer and other cancers." About Titan Pharmaceuticals Titan Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (ASE:TTP) is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of novel treatments for central nervous system disorders, cancer and cardiovascular disorders. Titan's numerous products in development utilize novel technologies that have the potential to significantly improve the treatment of these diseases. Titan also establishes partnerships with multinational pharmaceutical companies and government institutions for the development of its products. The press release may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such statements include, but are not limited to, any statements relating to the Company's development program and any other statements that are not historical facts. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those risks and uncertainties relating to difficulties or delays in development, testing, regulatory approval, production and marketing of the Company's drug candidates, unexpected adverse side effects or inadequate therapeutic efficacy of the Company's drug candidates that could slow or prevent product development or commercialization, the uncertainty of patent protection for the Company's intellectual property or trade secrets and the Company's ability to obtain additional financing if necessary. Such statements are based on management's current expectations, but actual results may differ materially due to various factors, including those risks and uncertainties mentioned or referred to in this press release. DATASOURCE: Titan Pharmaceuticals, Inc. CONTACT: Robert Farrell, Executive Vice President & CFO of Titan Pharmaceuticals, +1-650-244-4990; Media - Mark Padgett, +1-212-537-8082, or Investors - Dawn Lauer, +1-212-537-8088, both of GCI Group, for Titan Pharmaceuticals

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