Senesco Expands on Preclinical Multiple Myeloma Findings

Senesco Technologies, Inc. has announced further details of its continuing preclinical multiple myeloma research. In February 2008, the Company announced results of preclinical animal studies in which Senesco’s Factor 5A technology, encapsulated in nanoparticles, was able to induce apoptosis in multiple myeloma tumors when injected intratumorally.

Senesco has continued its research in both preclinical animal models and human multiple myeloma cell lines, while also studying intravenous delivery of its therapy. In its previously announced preclinical testing and its recent expanded studies, the Company has used a combination therapy of its siRNA against Factor 5A as well as a plasmid of the Factor 5A gene encapsulated in a nanoparticle.

Whether the combination therapy was injected intratumorally or systemically, human multiple myeloma tumors grown subcutaneously in the flanks of immunodeficient mice were reduced by approximately 95% versus tumors in untreated mice. Additionally, groups of treated mice were studied for up to three weeks after the last therapeutic injection and in mice whose tumors had regressed, the tumors did not regenerate.

In human multiple myeloma cell line studies, Senesco determined that its siRNA may sensitize cells for apoptosis through a reduction in activation of NFkB, a key inflammatory transcription factor. The siRNA also reduced levels of ICAM (intracellular adhesion molecule), a binding molecule, which is involved in promoting tissue inflammation.

The Company, together with its CRO, is evaluating potential manufacturing centers for its materials, planning preclinical toxicology studies, and continuing preclinical disease model studies.