Following today's joint announcement by Eli Lilly and Company and 3M to suspend clinical trials of resiquimod, an investigational Immune Response Modifier (IRM) compound for the treatment of genital herpes, 3M said it will continue to support Lilly in evaluating the molecule for this indication.
"We are working closely with Lilly to understand the relationship between the Phase III trial results and the more positive results seen in earlier Phase II clinical trials," said Dr. Charles Reich, executive vice president, 3M Health Care Business.
While Reich acknowledged the need to re-evaluate the clinical approach on resiquimod, the broader family of IRMs continues to progress.
"Preliminary Phase III data on imiquimod for the treatment of superficial basal cell carcinoma and actinic keratosis are positive, and those results will be presented next week," Reich said.
In addition, 3M continues to build a pipeline of new IRM molecules for a broad range of indications.
According to Reich, sales of Aldara (imiquimod) cream for genital warts - 3M's first approved IRM - are meeting the company's growth expectations.
"Our confidence in the entire IRM platform is increasing," Reich said.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements about the potential of imiquimod for the treatment of superficial basal cell carcinoma and actinic keratosis that reflect the current beliefs of 3M. However, as with any pharmaceutical under development, there are substantial risks and uncertainties in the process of development and regulatory review. There are no guarantees that the product will receive regulatory approvals or prove to be commercially successful. For further discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties, see 3M's filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. 3M undertakes no duty to update forward-looking statements.
About 3M
3M is a $16 billion diversified technology company with leading positions in health care; consumer and office; display and graphics; electronics and telecommunications; industrial; safety, security and protection services; transportation and other businesses. Headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota, the company has operations in more than 60 countries and serves customers in nearly 200 countries. 3M is one of the 30 stocks that make up the Dow Jones Industrial Average and also is a component of the Standard & Poor's 500 Index. For more information about 3M, go to www.3M.com/profile/pressbox/index.jhtml.
Aldara is a trademark of 3M.
3M, St. PaulInvestor Contacts:Matt Ginter, 651/733-8206orDan Colvin, 651/736-2637orMedia Contact:John Cornwell, 651/733-7698
