Alfacell Corporation Launches New Program to Explore Potential of ONCONASE® in Preventing Mesothelioma

June 2, 2006 - The makers of the drug Onconase® have announced a groundbreaking program to evaluate the potential of ONCONASE (ranpirnase) and other medications in preventing mesothelioma. 

This study, conducted by Alfacell Corporation, will be launched in Turkey, a country where asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma are rampant.  The Nevsehir region of Turkey, where the high risk of mesothelioma has been well-documented, is the first area that has been selected for the program.

At a recent joint press conference with Professor Tuncer of Turkey’s Ministry of Health, Dr. Michele Carbone, chairman of Alfacell’s Thoracic Cancer Advisory Board and study leader, commented on the rationale for including ONCONASE in this program.

"Our hypothesis is that ONCONASE, with its proven affinity for rapidly-dividing cancerous cells, inhibition of protein synthesis and induction of apoptosis, will block the formation of tumors and therefore arrest or eradicate the disease in its early stages without the need for surgery," stated Dr. Carbone. "As such, swift identification of at-risk families exposed to asbestos and erionite, which are clearly linked to the onset of mesothelioma, early diagnosis of the disease and treatment with ONCONASE will be among the key cornerstones of this exciting program."

If Carbone’s predictions are correct, this could be a major breakthrough for the thousands worldwide who suffer from the disease, for which the only known cause is asbestos exposure.  Currently, the disease is usually not diagnosed until it’s in its final stages, making treatment difficult and cure impossible.