Cell-in-a-Box(R) Live-Cell Encapsulation and Anti-Cancer Properties of Cannabinoids Emphasized
SILVER SPRING, Md., April 8, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Medical Marijuana Sciences, Inc., a subsidiary of PharmaCyte Biotech, Inc. (NVLX), a clinical-stage international biotechnology company providing cell and gene therapy solutions for the treatment of diseases, reported today that Dr. Mark L. Rabe’s presentation at the National Medical Cannabis Unity Conference, held this past weekend in Washington DC, prompted numerous questions and a lively discussion on PharmaCyte Biotech’s proprietary Cell-in-a-Box(R) platform and how Medical Marijuana Sciences is working to combine it with the cancer-fighting properties of cannabinoids.
The conference, hosted by Americans for Safe Access (ASA) and titled, “Navigating Medicinal Cannabis in the Mainstream,” was attended by several hundred medical marijuana patients, parents of pediatric patients, educators, veterans, physicians, and other individuals calling for a stronger commitment to the safe, medicinal use of cannabis.
“It was a profound and humbling experience to see the dedication, commitment and sacrifice put forth by the members and sponsors of the ASA. This group of individuals has fought tirelessly to provide patients with safe access to cannabis-based medicine,” said Dr. Rabe. “It was also encouraging to hear recently from the federal government comments about the potential of reclassifying or declassifying cannabis from its present status, which would provide the opportunity to advance scientific research and further the development of potentially life-saving cannabinoid-based therapies.”
Dr. Rabe’s presentation, “Targeted Cannabinoid-based Chemotherapy Utilizing Cell-in-a-Box(R) Technology,” addressed new research that Medical Marijuana Sciences is undertaking in the fight against pancreatic and brain cancers and highlighted how further research is needed to help prevent the tens of thousands of deaths that occur each year as a result of these two diseases.
“Dr. Rabe is Chairman of Medical Marijuana Sciences’ Scientific Advisory Board and is a well-respected veteran in the discussion of medical marijuana. His insight on the potential use of cannabinoids, particularly in combination with our parent company’s Cell-in-a-Box(R) technology to treat these difficult cancers, has proven vital to our evolution as a company,” said Tim Matula, President of Medical Marijuana Sciences. “Recent surveys have demonstrated that oncologists, among other top medical practitioners, have a keen interest in the potential use of cannabinoids both in compassionate care and in the fight against cancer and other deadly diseases; many have spoken and continue to speak openly about its decriminalization and the possible research applications that could result.”
About Medical Marijuana Sciences:
Medical Marijuana Sciences, Inc. is the newest wholly-owned subsidiary of PharmaCyte Biotech, Inc. It was established in early 2013 with the initial mission to develop treatments based on constituents of cannabis for two of the most serious and deadly forms of cancer, namely brain and pancreatic cancers.
About PharmaCyte Biotech:PharmaCyte Biotech (NVLX)
is a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on developing and preparing to commercialize treatments for cancer and diabetes based upon a proprietary cellulose-based live-cell encapsulation technology, known as Cell-in-a-Box(R). This unique and patented technology will be used as a platform upon which treatments for several types of cancer, including advanced inoperable pancreatic cancer and diabetes, are being built. PharmaCyte Biotech’s treatment for pancreatic cancer involves the widely used anticancer prodrug ifosfamide, together with encapsulated live cells, which convert ifosfamide into its active or “cancer-killing” form. PharmaCyte Biotech is also involved in preclinical and clinical trials related to other aspects of pancreatic and other forms of cancer. PharmaCyte Biotech’s subsidiary, Medical Marijuana Sciences, Inc., is dedicated to the development of cancer treatments based upon chemical constituents of marijuana known as cannabinoids. To do so, it will examine ways to exploit the benefits of Cell-in-a-Box(R) technology in optimizing the anticancer effectiveness of cannabinoids against cancers while minimizing or outright eliminating the debilitating side effects usually associated with cancer treatments. This provides Medical Marijuana Sciences a unique opportunity to develop “green” approaches to fighting deadly cancers — such as those of the pancreas, brain, breast and prostate — that affect hundreds of thousands of individuals worldwide every year.
Safe Harbor:
This press release may contain forward-looking statements regarding PharmaCyte Biotech and its future events and results that involve inherent risks and uncertainties. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan” and similar expressions, as they relate to PharmaCyte Biotech or its management, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Important factors, many of which are beyond the control of PharmaCyte Biotech, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements include PharmaCyte Biotech’s ability to continue as a going concern, delays in clinical trials or flaws or defects regarding its products, changes in relevant legislation or regulatory requirements, uncertainty of protection of PharmaCyte Biotech’s intellectual property and PharmaCyte Biotech’s continued ability to raise capital. PharmaCyte Biotech does not assume any obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements.
More information about PharmaCyte Biotech and Medical Marijuana Sciences can be found at www.nuvilex.com and www.medicalmarijuanasciences.com. It can also be obtained by contacting Investor Relations.
Contact:
Investor Relations Contacts:
Marlin Molinaro
Marmel Communications, LLC
Phone: 702.434.8692
[email protected]
Media Contact:
Jules Abraham
JQA Partners, LLC
Phone: 917.885.7378
[email protected]
