The human recombinant Angiostatin protein produced by EntreMed and used in the Phase I clinical trials is produced in a yeast expression system. The type of yeast used is called Pichia pastoris . Angiostatin protein is produced in large fermenters, not unlike those used to produce another yeast-derived product, beer, and is then purified and vialed for clinical use. Pichia pastoris is a methylotropic yeast that has the capability of secreting large quantities of foreign proteins into the fermentation broth in which it grows. The Pichia pastoris yeast expression system is an industry accepted production method already being used for several protein-based biopharmaceutical agents currently in clinical trials.
Angiogenesis is the formation of new, small blood vessels in the body.
Angiogenesis plays a constructive and key role in conditions such as wound healing, menstrual cycling, and the development of fetuses. However, the same process of angiogenesis can be detrimental when the newly formed blood vessels are contributing to diseases such as cancer and blindness. Scientists are now studying this rapidly expanding field of angiogenesis to learn more about the regulation of this process and the results to be gained by blocking this new blood vessel growth when it is connected with diseases. The biological process of angiogenesis is a complex one filled with biochemical signaling and receptors working in concert to create and sustain a new blood vessel network. There are many types of angiogenesis inhibitors currently under development and investigation by researchers and pharmaceutical companies.