Cerulean Pharma to Present Avastin®-CRLX101 Synergy Data at the 15th International Symposium on Anti-angiogenic Therapy

Findings support use of CRLX101 in combination with anti-angiogenic therapies to treat cancer

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cerulean Pharma Inc., a leader in designing and developing dynamically tumor-targeted nanopharmaceuticals, today announced that Scott D. Eliasof, Ph.D, vice president of research, will present data on Cerulean’s most advanced experimental cancer treatment, CRLX101, at the 15th International Symposium on Anti-angiogenic Therapy. The meeting, which is organized by The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, takes place from January 31 through February 2 at the Hyatt Regency in La Jolla, Calif.

“These synergy data show that CRLX101 improves the performance of anti-angiogenic agents, and they set the stage for exploring combinations of CRLX101 and anti-angiogenic agents in the clinic.”

Dr. Eliasof will present data from ovarian xenograft studies demonstrating that CRLX101 in combination with Avastin^® (bevacizumab), inhibits tumor growth and improves survival versus either agent as monotherapy. The data demonstrate the importance of durable inhibition of HIF-1α, a transcription factor that promotes tumor cell proliferation and metastasis. Dr. Eliasof’s podium presentation will take place on Friday, February 1 at 10:30 a.m. Pacific Time.

“Anti-angiogenic drugs can create hypoxic conditions, which increase the presence of HIF-1α,” said Dr. Eliasof. “These synergy data show that CRLX101 improves the performance of anti-angiogenic agents, and they set the stage for exploring combinations of CRLX101 and anti-angiogenic agents in the clinic.”

In June 2012, Cerulean initiated a Phase 1b/2a clinical trial of CRLX101 in combination with Avastin for the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma, a form of cancer where over expression of HIF-1α is thought to be associated with poor prognosis.

About CRLX101

CRLX101 is an investigational anti-cancer agent that is a dual inhibitor of topoisomerase 1 and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α. CRLX101 is a dynamically tumor-targeted nanopharmaceutical designed to concentrate in tumors and release its payload, camptothecin, over an extended period of time, prolonging drug exposure at the site of action. Significant anti-tumor activity has been observed across a wide range of cancers in animal models and in a Phase 1/2a clinical trial. CRLX101 is currently in Phase 2 clinical development. More information on CRLX101 clinical studies can be found at www.clinicaltrials.gov.

About Cerulean Pharma Inc.

Cerulean Pharma Inc. is a clinical-stage company specializing in the development of dynamically tumor-targeted nanopharmaceuticals. Cerulean is applying its proprietary nanopharmaceutical platform to advance a new class of therapeutic agents to address significant unmet medical needs. With an initial focus in oncology, the Company’s technology platform can be applied to a wide range of drug molecules, ranging from small molecules to peptides and RNAs. Cerulean is privately financed and funded by experienced healthcare investors, including Polaris Venture Partners, Venrock, Lilly Ventures, Lux Capital, Bessemer Venture Partners, and CVF, LLC. Cerulean is located in Cambridge, Massachusetts. For more information, please visit the Company’s website at http://www.ceruleanrx.com.