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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) February 5, 1999
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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 executive offices) Zip Code
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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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On February 5, 1999 the Company announced the identification and production of
another apparently highly potent, novel anti-angiogenic molecule in the course
of its ongoing research in the area of anti-angiogenesis. The molecule was
found using the same in vitro screening assay and techniques that were used to
successfully identify Troponin, the Company's lead anti-angiogenic agent. The
Company stated that the molecule appears to demonstrate in vitro anti-angiogenic
potency that surpasses other compounds, including Troponin. The Company
cautioned that more work needs to be done to clarify the role of this new
molecule in BLSI's anti-angiogenic product lineup.
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 February 5, 1999.
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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: February 8, 1999 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(s)
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99.1 Press Release, dated February 5, 1999 4
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Exhibit 99.1
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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BOSTON LIFE SCIENCES ANNOUNCES DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM IN A SECOND POTENT
ANTI-ANGIOGENIC MOLECULE
Boston, MA--February 5, 1999--Boston Life Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: BLSI)
announced today that in the course of the Company's ongoing research in anti-
angiogenesis, it has identified and produced another apparently highly potent,
novel anti-angiogenic molecule. The Company's lead anti-angiogenic agent,
Troponin, a naturally-occurring protein, is in late stage preclinical
development for the potential treatment of solid tumor metastases and eye
diseases. Using the same in vitro screening assay and techniques that were used
to successfully identify Troponin, the Company found a molecule that appears to
demonstrate in vitro anti-angiogenic potency that surpasses other compounds,
including Troponin.
"Our in vitro screening techniques test the ability of candidate compounds to
inhibit growth factor stimulation of endothelial cell growth. To the best of
our knowledge, Troponin has been the most potent naturally-occurring anti-
angiogenic protein demonstrated in this assay. We are therefore extremely
excited that this molecule appears to have greater activity in this assay than
even Troponin," stated Dr. Marc Lanser, Chief Scientific Officer of BLSI.
"Since our own repeated experience thus far in animal trials indicates that such
in vitro potency is a good predictor of in vivo anti-tumor activity, we are
optimistic that this new molecule may have great potential as an additional
anti-angiogenic product in our portfolio of products. The benefit of
significantly increased potency could ultimately translate into very important
practical advantages in dosage and ease of administration, if successfully
brought into human use. Naturally, since these are early results, more work
needs to be done to clarify the role of this new molecule in BLSI's anti-
angiogenic product lineup," added Dr. Lanser.
BLSI is developing novel treatments for cancer, autoimmune disease, and central
nervous system disorders. In addition to Troponin I, products awaiting FDA
review, in clinical trials or in preclinical development by BLSI include
THERAFECTIN for the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis; AF1 for the potential
treatment of stroke and spinal cord injury; 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.
The foregoing contains forward-looking statements with regard to product
development expectations, timelines, and regulatory filings, which may not be
realized due to the uncertainties inherent in the research and development
process.
For further information please contact:
Marc E. Lanser, MD
Chief Scientific Officer
617-425-0200
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