Techniclone Praises Research of Peregrine

Techniclone Corp., the Tustin developer of tumor treatments, is already trumpeting research advances by a company it’s about to acquire.

Techniclone announced last week that a study in 21 mice by the founding scientist of Princeton, N.J.-based Peregrine Pharmaceuticals suggests that cells inside solid tumors can be selectively targeted and starved to death. The scientist, Dr. Philip Thorpe of University of Texas’ Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, reported that solid tumors regressed completely in eight mice and partially in five.

Techniclone expects to acquire Peregrine shortly. A Techniclone spokeswoman said the company hopes to pair Thorpe’s research with that of its own to come up with effective ways for eradicating cancerous tumors.

On Friday, the day the findings were released, Techniclone shares rose 81.5 cents a share to close at a recent high of $6.75 a share in Nasdaq trading. Shares slipped 12.5 cents to close Monday at $6.625.

The findings were reported in a study published in last week’s issue of Science magazine, a weekly journal of the American Assn. for the Advancement of Science.

Barbara Marsh covers health care for The Times. She can be reached at (714) 966-7762 and at [email protected]