SILVER SPRING, Md., Sept. 22, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PharmaCyte Biotech, Inc. (NVLX), a clinical-stage biotechnology company providing cell and gene therapy solutions for the treatment of diseases, announced today that its partner, Austrianova, published a scientific review in the journal Diabetes Research and Treatment: Open Access. The article addressed the use of cell encapsulation in developing a treatment for type 1 (insulin-dependent or juvenile-onset) diabetes and discussed advantages of using the Cell-in-Box(R) live cell sulfate-based encapsulation technology over other forms of cell encapsulation.
“On behalf of PharmaCyte Biotech, I wish to offer our sincerest congratulations to the Austrianova team, as well as to Dr. Brandtner, on the publication of this article. This concise review brings the Cell-in-a-Box(R) encapsulation technology to the forefront of our pursuit to develop a type of “artificial pancreas” for the treatment of diabetes,” commented Kenneth L. Waggoner, PharmaCyte Biotech’s CEO and President.
The article, entitled “Encapsulation of Insulin Producing Cells for Diabetes Treatment Using Alginate and Cellulose Sulphate as Bioencapsulation Polymers,” was co-authored by Dr. Brian Salmons, Prof. Dr. Walter H. Gunzburg and Dr. John Dangerfield of Austrianova in Singapore and Dr. Eva Brandtner of the Vorarlberg Institute for Vascular Investigation in Austria. It can be viewed in its entirety by clicking http://austrianova.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/DRTOA-1-102-final.compressed.pdf.
PharmaCyte Biotech owns the exclusive worldwide rights to use of the Cell-in-Box(R) encapsulation technology for the development of a treatment for insulin-dependent diabetes. As emphasized in the article, while numerous studies deploy a cell encapsulation technology to develop a treatment for type 1 diabetes, the majority of these efforts are based on the use of alginate (derived from seaweed) as the encapsulating material. These studies have produced some promising results; however, the products are still far from being routinely applicable.
In contrast to alginate, PharmaCyte Biotech’s Cell-in-Box(R) cellulose sulfate-based technology has properties that make it ideal for live cell encapsulation. Capsules made from this material are robust and remain intact in the body for long periods of time – at least two years. They do not cause inflammatory or other damaging responses to tissues near where they are deposited in the body, and their presence does not cause any response by the immune system. Such capsules have been shown to be safe in two clinical trials involving 27 patients with advanced inoperable pancreatic cancer. Insulin-producing cells, such as pig pancreatic islet cells and hamster pancreatic beta (HIT-15) cells, have been successfully encapsulated using the Cell-in-Box(R) technology. The safety and efficacy of the Cell-in-Box(R) capsules have also been shown in a rat model of diabetes.
“We are excited to be working with Austrianova to combine the Cell-in-Box(R) encapsulation technology with insulin-producing cells that are not derived from the pancreas, thereby avoiding the hurdles that exist in the use of pancreas-derived cells. Hopefully, our efforts will bring comfort to the hundreds of millions of people around the globe who suffer from the effects of this terrible disease. These consequences include diseases of the eye, kidney, nervous system of the extremities and cardiovascular disease,” said Mr. Waggoner.
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 well-known anticancer prodrug ifosfamide, together with encapsulated live cells, which convert ifosfamide into its active or “cancer-killing” form. PharmaCyte Biotech is also working towards improving the quality of life for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer and on treatments for other abdominal cancers.
About Austrianova
Austrianova, part of the SG Austria group, is a biotech company with a global footprint and headquarters in Singapore. Austrianova utilizes a novel and proprietary technology for the encapsulation of living mammalian (Cell-in-a-Box(R)) and bacterial (Bac-in-a-Box(R)) cells. Cell-in-a-Box(R) protects the encapsulated cells from rejection by the immune system and allows cells to be easily transported, stored and implanted in specific sites in patients. The technology, which has been proven to be safe and efficacious in clinical trials carried out in Europe, allows companies to develop any kind of cells as a one-for-all living pharmaceutical. Bac-in-a-Box(R) is a similar protective device adapted for the encapsulation of probiotic bacteria where it has human food and animal feed applications due to its ability for extending storage under lyophilized conditions and protection in stomach acid.
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 or unsuccessful results in clinical trials or flaws or defects regarding its product candidates, 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.
Investor Relations Contacts:
Clare Matschullat
Blueprint Life Science Group
Telephone: 917.595.2856 Ext. 106
[email protected]
