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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of Earliest Event Reported) December 23, 1997
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BOSTON LIFE SCIENCES, INC.
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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Delaware 0-6533 87-0277826
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(State or other jurisdiction of (Commission (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) File No.) Identification No.)
31 Newbury Street, Suite 300
Boston, Massachusetts 02116
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(Address of principal Zip Code
executive offices)
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Registrant's telephone number, including area code (617) 425-0200
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Item 5. Other Events.
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Boston Life Sciences, Inc. announced that its collaborating scientists have
discovered in preclinical animal models and other laboratory tests that a
heretofore unrecognized natural small molecule appeared to strongly stimulate
axonal regeneration in nerve cells of the Central Nervous System (CNS). This
molecule is the second apparent CNS axonal growth factor identified as part of
the Company's CNS nerve regeneration discovery program.
The Company believes that this new work demonstrates that neurons in the CNS may
be actually capable of regenerating axonal connections between cells in response
to certain endogenous growth factors in mammals. The Company's two nerve
regeneration compounds are being studied in spinal cord injury models. If
successful, the Company hopes to file an Investigational New Drug (IND)
application for one or both compounds as soon as possible.
BLSI is developing novel treatments for cancer, autoimmune diseases, and central
nervous system disorders.
Item 7. Exhibits.
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The following Exhibits are filed as part of this report on Form 8-K:
99.1 Press Release, dated December 23, 1997.
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SIGNATURES
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Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned hereunto authorized.
BOSTON LIFE SCIENCES, INC.
Dated: December 29, 1997 By:/s/ Joseph Hernon
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Joseph Hernon
Chief Financial Officer
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BOSTON LIFE SCIENCES, INC.
CURRENT REPORT ON FORM 8-K
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No. Page
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99.1 Press Release, dated December 23, 1997 5
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Exhibit 99.1
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BOSTON LIFE SCIENCES ANNOUNCES THE DISCOVERY OF A SECOND
FACTOR CAPABLE OF STIMULATING CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
AXONAL REGENERATION
Boston, MA, December 23, 1997. Boston Life Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: BLSI)
announced that its collaborating scientists had discovered in preclinical animal
models and other laboratory tests that a heretofore unrecognized naturally-
occurring small molecule appears to strongly stimulate axonal regeneration in
nerve cells of the Central Nervous System (CNS). This molecule is the second
apparent CNS axonal growth factor to be identified as part of the Company's CNS
nerve regeneration program. A manuscript detailing the discovery has been
submitted to a premier neuroscience journal for possible publication.
"We believe that the fundamental importance of this new work is that it
demonstrates that neurons in the CNS may be actually capable of regenerating
axonal connections between cells in response to certain endogenous growth
factors in mammals. In this exciting development, we now have two potential
lead development compounds in an area that has a long history of frustrated
efforts. We are now studying these compounds in spinal cord injury models, and
if test results warrant, hope to complete preclinical testing and file an
Investigational New Drug (IND) application for one or both compounds as soon as
possible thereafter," stated Marc E. Lanser, M.D., Chief Scientific Officer of
BLSI.
BLSI is developing novel treatments for cancer, autoimmune diseases, and central
nervous system disorders. In addition to the above-mentioned factor and AF1,
BLSI's products in clinical trials or in preclinical development include
Troponin I, a naturally-occurring anti-angiogenesis factor for the treatment of
solid tumors; Therafectin, an oral drug for the treatment of Rheumatoid
Arthritis; Altropane, a radioimaging agent for the diagnosis of Parkinson's
Disease; and transcription factors that may control the expression of molecules
associated with autoimmune disease and allergies.
This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding the prospects
for this CNS factor and the timing of IND filings. Actual results may vary
materially. Among the meaningful factors that could affect the results obtained
are differences in results between laboratory and clinical conditions,
scientific uncertainty arising from small scale studies, difficulties in
preparing for or attaining necessary regulatory approvals and other matters.
For additional information contact:
Marc E. Lanser, MD
Chief Scientific Officer
617-425-0200
