BioCentury
ARTICLE | Tools & Techniques

Multi-talented molecule

February 19, 2007 8:00 AM UTC

Defibrotide is known for its anti-inflammatory and endothelium-protecting abilities, and Gentium S.p.A. has the product in Phase III testing to treat veno-occlusive disease based on those mechanisms. The compound is also known to have anti-metastatic properties. Last week, researchers presented data showing it also may prevent tumor angiogenesis.

According to researchers from Gentium (GENT, Villa Guardia, Italy) and colleagues from Regensburg University Medical Center in (Regensburg, Germany) defibrotide's immune modulation of the endothelium doesn't stop at preventing coagulation and stabilizing the cells. Preclinical data presented at last week's Keystone Symposium in Santa Fe, N.M., suggest the agent also inhibits tumor angiogenesis through its interaction with the endothelium...