FLEMINGTON, N.J., Sept. 14, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Arno Therapeutics, Inc. (OTCQB:ARNI), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company primarily focused on the development of therapeutics for cancer and other life threatening diseases, today announced that four abstracts supporting the ongoing development of AR-12 as a broad-spectrum, antimicrobial drug have been accepted for presentation, one of which will be a podium presentation, at the upcoming Interscience Conference of Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (ICAAC) / International Congress of Chemotherapy and Infection (ICC) 2015, jointly hosted by the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) and International Society of Chemotherapy (ISC), and being held September 17-21, 2015 in San Diego, CA.   

During the podium presentation in the session “Current Research on Respiratory and Other Viruses” on Saturday, September 19, Stefan Proniuk, Chief Development Officer of Arno Therapeutics will present an in vitro inhibition of chikungunya virus replication by AR-12. In addition, Arno will present a poster discussing AR-12 as the lead compound of a potential new class of antifungal agents with a novel mechanism of action. Two preclinical studies will also be presented by investigators from the Ohio State University, one discussing a preclinical study of AR-12 as an antifungal agent and another poster discussing AR-12 as a potential new therapeutic agent for tularemia.

Logistical details for the four accepted abstracts on AR-12 include:

  • Podium Presentation: The Host Cell Targeting Molecule AR-12 Inhibits Chikungunya Virus Replication In Vitro
Presenting Author: Stefan Proniuk, PhD
Poster Session: Current Research on Respiratory and Other Viruses
Date, Time: Saturday, September 19; 10:30 AM – 10:45 AM PT
Location: Meeting Room 30C Upper Level
  • Poster M-856: AR-12, Lead Compound of a Potential New Class of Antifungal Agents  
Presenting Author: Stefan Proniuk, PhD
Poster Session: New Anti-Fungal Agents
Date, Time: Saturday, September 19; 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM PT
Location: Exhibit Hall F
  • Poster F-760: The Antifungal Drug AR-12 has Fungicidal Activity Against the Human Fungal Pathogens Aspergillus fumigatus, Histoplasma capsulatum, and Trichophyton rubrum
Presenting Author: Chad Rappleye, PhD
Poster Session: New Anti-Fungal Agents
Date, Time: Saturday, September 19; 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM PT
Location: Exhibit Hall F
  • Poster B-083: Needle-free Delivery of Acetalated Dextran-Encapsulated AR-12 Protects Mice from Francisella tularensis Lethal Challenge
Presenting Author: H. Hoang, PhD
Poster Session: New Drugs against Resistant Infections
Date, Time: Friday, September 18; 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM PT
Location: Exhibit Hall F

About AR-12

AR-12 is an orally-available small molecule. Data reported previously demonstrate that the AR-12 mechanism of action may include induction of host cell autophagy and inhibition of fungal acetyl coenzyme A synthetase. Previously, AR-12 has completed Phase 1 clinical trials in patients with cancer. Additional pre-clinical research indicates that AR-12 may have potential as an antimicrobial agent in various infectious diseases. AR-12 has been granted two orphan drug designations in Europe for the treatment of cryptococcosis and tularaemia. In addition, Arno also has the rights to a broad portfolio of compounds in the “AR-12 series”, which have been demonstrated to have a broad spectrum antimicrobial activity. In addition, the anti-viral activity of AR-12 and various analogues against Ebola and other pathogens of biodefense interest is being evaluated under a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) Material Transfer Agreement with the US Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID).

About Arno Therapeutics

Arno Therapeutics is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing innovative products for the treatment of cancer and other life threatening diseases.  Arno has exclusive worldwide rights to develop and market three innovative product candidates.  These compounds are in clinical or preclinical development as product candidates to treat hematologic malignancies and solid tumors, as well as infectious diseases.  For more information about the company, please visit www.arnothera.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as “anticipates,” “expects,” “plans,” “believes,” “intends,” and similar words or phrases. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the mechanism of action of AR-12, its potential as an anti-viral and antimicrobial agent and to treat other infectious diseases and cancer, the timing, progress and anticipated results of the development of AR-12, as well as Arno’s strategy, future operations, outlook, milestones, future financial position, future financial results, plans and objectives. The Company may not actually achieve these plans, intentions or expectations and Arno cautions investors not to place undue reliance on its forward-looking statements. Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements made. Various important factors could cause actual results or events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, risks that the results of further preclinical and clinical trials will not support Arno’s claims or beliefs concerning the effectiveness of AR-12 or any other product candidates, the ability to finance the development of AR-12 and other product candidates, regulatory risks, and reliance on third party researchers and other collaborators. Additional risks are described in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 and its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2015. Arno is providing this information as of the date of this press release and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

CONTACT: The Ruth Group
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