Full Press Release Details
Highly Statistically Significant Tumor
Growth Inhibition by a
Combination of Lenalidomide and SNS01-T
No Tumor Regrowth 8 Weeks after End of
N.J. (August 13th, 2012) - Senesco Technologies, Inc. ("Senesco" or the "Company")
(NYSE MKT: SNT) announced today the results from the completed non-clinical study of SNS01-T in combination of lenalidomide in
a model of multiple myeloma. Combining SNS01-T treatment with lenalidomide (the active ingredient in REVLIMID
marketed by Celgene Corporation) inhibits tumor growth more effectively than either drug alone. All mice treated with
the combination survived over 100 days to the end of the study. Tumors were eradicated after a single 6-week cycle of the combination
in two thirds of the animals, and there was no regrowth after an additional 8 weeks without further treatment.
"Originally we observed that the optimal combination eliminated
tumors in over 80% of the animals treated with SNS01-T and lenalidomide, but we wanted to see if the tumors would regrow after
treatment was ended," said Leslie J. Browne, Ph.D., President and CEO of Senesco. Dr. Browne added, "We were pleased
to see that there was no regrowth after 8 weeks without treatment in all but one of the mice that had undergone complete remission.
The tumor that escaped remission responded to further treatment. SNS01-T with lenalidomide looks like a good combination for evaluation
in clinical trials."
Summary of Multiple Myeloma Model Results
Mice implanted with human myeloma tumors derived from RPMI 8226
cells were randomized into 4 groups and treated with control nanoparticles, or, either SNS01-T (0.375 mg/kg; i.v., 2x per week),
lenalidomide (50 mg/kg; i.p., 5x per week), or both. The mice received 2 cycles of treatment, 6 weeks and 5 weeks respectively,
with an 11 day rest period between cycles. Mice, whose tumors were undetectable at the end of cycle 1, received no drug treatment
in cycle 2 unless tumor reappeared. The mice were monitored for 2 weeks after the end of the second cycle of treatment. The total
length of the study was 102 days.
At the end of the second cycle of dosing, tumor growth was inhibited
compared to control nanoparticles by 84 % (p < 0.0001), 34 % (p = 0.05), and 98.1 % (p << 0.0001) in animals treated with
SNS01-T, 50 mg/kg of lenalidomide, and SNS01-T plus 50 mg/kg of lenalidomide, respectively. The median survival of mice treated
with control nanoparticles or 50 mg/kg of lenalidomide was 48 days and 95 days, respectively. Mice treated with SNS01-T or SNS01-T
in combination with lenalidomide had 60 % and 100 % survival, respectively, and thus median survival could not be determined in
In conclusion, SNS01-T alone and in combination with 50 mg/kg
of lenalidomide demonstrated significantly improved efficacy compared to lenalidomide alone. Tumors were eradicated in 4 out of
6 animals receiving SNS01-T plus lenalidomide and did not reappear during 8 weeks with no further treatment.
myeloma is an incurable cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell derived from B-lymphocytes, normally responsible for
the production of antibodies, in which abnormal cells accumulate in the bone marrow leading to bone lesions and interfering with
the production of normal blood cells. Senesco was previously granted orphan drug status for SNS01-T, the Company's lead drug
candidate for treatment of multiple myeloma.
Senesco Technologies, Inc.
a leader in eIF5A technology, is running a clinical study in multiple myeloma with its lead therapeutic candidate SNS01-T, which
targets B-cell cancers by selectively inducing apoptosis by modulating eukaryotic, translation, initiation Factor 5A (eIF5A), which
is believed to be an important regulator of cell growth and cell death. Accelerating apoptosis may have applications in treating
cancer, while delaying apoptosis may have applications in treating certain inflammatory and ischemic diseases. Senesco has already
partnered with leading-edge companies engaged in agricultural biotechnology and is entitled to earn research and development milestones
and royalties if its gene-regulating platform technology is incorporated into its partners' products.
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 Company's ability to recruit patients for its clinical trial; the ability
of the Company to consummate additional financings; 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
collaborations; the success of the Company's license agreements; the acceptance by the market of the Company's products;
the timing and success of the Company's preliminary studies, preclinical research and clinical trials; competition and the
timing of projects and trends in future operating performance, the Company's ability to comply with the continued listing
standards of the NYSE Amex, 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.
Leslie J. Browne, Ph.D., 908-864-4444
Robert Woods, 212-732-4300