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Curis keeps Hedgehog protein patents rolling in 09/03/2003 10:41 AM Cambridge-based Curis Inc. has been issued another U.S. patent that relates to the Hedgehog protein. The claims of this new patent cover pharmaceutical compositions of small molecules (traditional drug-like compounds) that are under development by Curis as treatments for Parkinson's disease, stroke and other neurological disorders. The pharmaceutical compositions covered by this latest patent are small molecule agonists (activators) of the Hedgehog signaling pathway, one of the major regulatory mechanisms the body uses to develop and maintain various tissues, including those of the central and peripheral nervous system. The Hedgehog signaling pathway, which has been shown to be involved in the repair of nerve tissues when damaged or traumatized, is normally activated by the interaction of Hedgehog proteins with their receptors. “The issuance of this patent adds further strength to our extensive intellectual property portfolio covering the Hedgehog signaling pathway,” said Daniel Passeri, Curis president and CEO, in a statement. “We also believe that it will aid our efforts to secure a significant corporate collaboration for the continued pharmaceutical development of these promising drug candidates.” Curis stock opened at $3.66, up six cents from yesterday’s close. SOURCE: Boston Mass High Tech, MA http://www.masshightech.com/displayarticledetail.asp?Art_ID=63458 * * * ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn