PR October 6, 2004 - Prostate Cancer Foundation

October 6, 2004 - Santa Monica, CA - Today's announcement by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences that Aaron Ciechanover, M.D., D.Sc., has won the 2004 Nobel Prize in Chemistry is a profoundly gratifying affirmation not only of his work, but also of the initiatives of the Prostate Cancer Foundation, which has provided Dr. Ciechanover with multiple research awards.

The Prostate Cancer Foundation, the world's largest philanthropy devoted to funding research into better treatments and a cure for prostate cancer, supported Dr. Ciechanover's research with awards between 2000 and 2003 to investigate the application of his research to the development of new therapies for prostate cancer. Dr. Ciechanover has reported on these investigations at the PCF's annual Scientific Retreat and is scheduled to update these reports at the next Retreat later this month.

The Nobel Foundation recognized Dr. Ciechanover's work in illuminating the significance of the cellular machine called the proteasome, which regulates the destruction of unneeded cell proteins.

The proteasome is the target of the drug Velcade, which is approved for use in treating multiple myeloma and is being tested for use in treating prostate cancer. The PCF has also provided crucial funding to support the clinical development of Velcade.

"The Prostate Cancer Foundation salutes Dr. Aaron Ciechanover and congratulates him for winning the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for discovering the critical importance of the proteasome," said Leslie D. Michelson, CEO of the Prostate Cancer Foundation. "The PCF funded Dr. Ciechanover through its Israel Initiative, which is part of our worldwide effort to harness the talents of the best and brightest in the fight for better treatments and a cure for recurrent prostate cancer," he added.

About the Prostate Cancer Foundation
The Prostate Cancer Foundation is the world's largest philanthropic source of support for research into better treatments and a cure for prostate cancer. Founded in 1993, the PCF has raised more than $210 million and provided funding for prostate cancer research to more than 1,100 researchers at 100 institutions worldwide. For more information, visit http://www.prostatecancerfoundation.org.