Released on = May 10, 2007, 3:54 pm

Press Release Author = GTCbio

Industry = Pharmaceuticals

Press Release Summary = Biotech/Pharmaceutical conference (GTCbio\'s Rediscovering
Biomarkers: Detection, Development and Validation conference) features
Boehringer-Ingelheim at San Diego event.

Press Release Body = Joseph R. Woska, Jr. is a Senior Scientist in the Department of
Immunology and Inflammation at Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.,
Ridgefield, Connecticut will present on "Utilization of Unique Monoclonal Antibodies
for the Detection of LFA-1 Antagonist Receptor Occupancy in Whole Blood" at
Rediscovering Biomarkers: Detection, Development, and Validation Conference on July
23-24, 2007 in San Diego, CA.
The b2 integrin LFA-1 (CD11a/CD18) is a leukocyte-specific adhesion molecule that
mediates leukocyte extravasation, antigen presentation, and T-cell mediated
cytolysis through its interaction with its counter-receptors, ICAM-1, ICAM-2 and
ICAM-3. We have recently described a small-molecule antagonist of LFA-1, (BIRT 377)
which inhibits LFA-1/ICAM-1 molecular interactions, LFA-1-dependent adhesion assays,
antigen-induced proliferation of T-cells, and superantigen-induced production of
IL-2 in vivo in mice. We have also recently described a unique monoclonal antibody,
R3.1, that competes with BIRT 377 and its analogs for binding to both purified
full-length LFA-1 and the purified recombinant I domain module. In this manuscript
we extend these studies to cell-based systems and utilize this unique reagent for
the development of a receptor occupancy assay. Exploiting these observations, we
have designed and validated an assay that allows us to measure receptor occupancy in
vitro on monkey and human peripheral blood leukocytes and ex vivo in whole blood
from monkeys dosed with small molecule LFA-1 antagonists. Further refinement of
these reagents has led to the development of a Fab-based assay that allows rapid and
reproducible analysis of whole blood samples. These optimized reagents allow for
quantification of the number of receptors expressed on the cell surface and a more
accurate quantitation of receptor occupancy.
The Rediscovering Biomarkers: Detection, Development, and Validation conference will
take place on July 23-24, 2007 at the San Diego Marriott La Jolla in La Jolla, CA.
Additional topics to be covered include Biomarker Application in Oncology; Tools for
Improving Measurement, Safety, and Validation; and Leveraging Upcoming Trends and
Technologies.

For more information including a detailed agenda, exhibitor opportunities and
registration information visit
http://www.gtcbio.com/conference/conferenceDetails.aspx?id

Web Site = http://gtcbio.com

Contact Details = GTCBIO
(626) 256-6405
(626) 256-6460 fax
raniah@gtcbio.com
www.gtcbio.com