Sangamo BioSciences Announces Presentation of Top-Line Statistically Significant Phase 2 Data in Diabetic Neuropathy at Society for Neuroscien...(pratt(3) D. Ando(3) G. Lee(3) R. Surosky...),Health

Researchers observed that in an animal model of spinal cord injury, 24 hour delayed administration of a ZFP TF that upregulates VEGF-A (a form of SB-509) decreased the degradation of NF200, a marker of cell injury, decreased apoptosis or cell death of nerve cells in and around the spinal cord and enhanced new blood vessel growth around the injured cord.

About SB-509

SB-509 is an injectable plasmid encoding a DNA-binding Zinc Finger DNA-binding Protein (ZFP) transcription factor (ZFP TF) designed to upregulate the endogenous expression of the gene encoding vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A). VEGF-A has been demonstrated to have direct angiogenic, neurotrophic and neuroprotective properties. In preclinical animal efficacy studies in a diabetic rat model (Diabetes, June 1, 2006; 55(6): 1847-1854), SB-509 has proven effective in protecting motor and sensory nerve function from disease-induced nerve damage.

About Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy is a progressive degenerative disease that is one of the most frequent complications of diabetes, affecting between 14 and 16.5 million Americans in 2007. High blood glucose levels lead to nerve damage over time, primarily affecting peripheral nerves. Symptoms include numbness, tingling sensations and pain particularly in the toes or feet, which gradually evolve to loss of sensation and motor function as nerve damage progresses. Ulcers and sores may appear on numb areas of the foot as pressure wounds or injuries go unnoticed. Despite palliative treatment, these areas of trauma frequently become infected and this infection may spread to the bone, necessitating amputation of the leg or foot. More than 60 pe
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