Chromos updates on progress with development of CHR-1103 for treatment of MS
"Chromos Molecular Systems Inc. (TSX: CHR) has taken several significant steps in the development of its lead product candidate, CHR-1103. A humanized monoclonal antibody, CHR-1103 is being developed for the acute treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Its unique mechanism of action has the potential to reduce the severity of a relapse in patients with MS and also stem the residual neurological damage that often accompanies relapse and leads to progression of the disease.

Chromos recently completed its first meeting with officials from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The two parties discussed Chromos' clinical approach, proposed preclinical safety evaluation program and manufacture of CHR-1103. Chromos is now moving forward with preclinical safety evaluation studies in preparation for an Investigational New Drug (IND) application in Q3 2007.

Using its proprietary ACE System, Chromos engineered a stable clonal cell line expressing its product, CHR-1103 and transferred it to AppTec for process development, scale up and manufacture. The ACE System demonstrated the ability to perform well in large-scale manufacturing, validating the use of the platform for clinical and commercial scale manufacturing of biopharmaceuticals. The Company is now preparing to begin its preclinical safety evaluation studies with Charles River Laboratories.

Chromos has engaged two leading MS clinicians to act as clinical consultants for its CHR-1103 program. Lily Jung, M.D. is the Medical Director of the Seattle Neuroscience Institute at Swedish Medical Centre in Seattle, WA, and a clinical associate professor in Neurology at the University of Washington Medical School. Mariko Kita, M.D. is a clinical investigator and Director of the Virginia Mason Multiple Sclerosis Center in Seattle, WA. Drs. Jung and Kita will advise and assist with the clinical development of CHR-1103 as it enters clinical trials...."