PharmaCyte Biotech to Conduct Additional Study on Malignant Ascites
May 29 2015 - 9:25AM
PharmaCyte Biotech, Inc. (OTCQB:PMCB), a clinical stage
biotechnology company focused on developing targeted treatments for
cancer and diabetes using its signature live-cell encapsulation
technology, Cell-in-a-Box®, today announced that it is contracting
with Translational Drug Development (TD2) in Scottsdale, Arizona,
to conduct an additional preclinical study related to determining
the effectiveness of its Cell-in-a-Box® live-cell encapsulation
technology together with the anticancer drug ifosfamide in slowing
the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen that accompanies the
growth of pancreatic and other abdominal cancerous tumors. This
fluid is commonly known as "malignant ascites fluid."
An initial preclinical study showed that the Cell-in-a-Box®
capsules and ifosfamide combination, injected into the abdominal
cavity, was effective in extending the lifespan of mice bearing
ES-2 human ovarian cancer, particularly when used in combination
with cisplatin - a drug often used for the treatment of ovarian
cancer. ES-2 cells grow rapidly in mice and are known to be
prolific in producing malignant ascites fluid. A larger second
study using the ES-2 tumor model system has just been completed. In
the second study, the number of Cell-in-a-Box® capsules was varied
among some groups of mice, but the dose of ifosfamide, when used,
was kept constant. Cisplatin was also given to some of the groups
of mice.
This new study will now address the dose of ifosfamide that will
be given to the mice, while keeping the number of Cell-in-a-Box®
capsules constant. No cisplatin will be administered to the mice.
This study is being done to determine the most appropriate minimal
dose of ifosfamide to use in combination with Cell-in-a-Box® for
the treatment of malignant ascites fluid using the ES-2 tumor model
system. PharmaCyte Biotech expects that its timetable to commence a
Phase 1 clinical trial to treat the accumulation of malignant
ascites fluid will not be affected by this new study.
Kenneth L. Waggoner, Chief Executive Officer of PharmaCyte
Biotech, stated, "As these preclinical studies progress, we are
gaining more and more information as to the ability of the
Cell-in-a-Box® and ifosfamide combination therapy to delay the
accumulation of malignant ascites fluid. In addition, we are
defining the parameters for developing a treatment for this malady
and thus improving the quality of life for the large numbers of
patients suffering with abdominal cancers. We believe that such
information will set the stage for future clinical trials designed
to assess the effectiveness of our treatment in slowing malignant
ascites fluid accumulation."
Malignant ascites fluid accumulation is problematic for patients
with pancreatic and other abdominal cancers. As this fluid
accumulates, the abdomen becomes swollen and painful. In addition,
because it contains cancer cells, new tumors can form at locations
in a patient away from the source of the original cancer. If left
untreated, malignant ascites fluid accumulation can progress to the
point of causing difficulties in breathing and even death. As
malignant ascites fluid accumulates, it must be removed
periodically using a painful and expensive procedure. Currently,
there is no treatment that is effective in slowing the accumulation
of malignant ascites fluid.
About PharmaCyte Biotech
PharmaCyte Biotech 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®. 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 low
doses of the well-known anticancer prodrug ifosfamide, together
with encapsulated live cells, which convert ifosfamide into its
active or "cancer-killing" form. These capsules are placed as close
to the cancerous tumor as possible to enable the delivery of the
highest levels of the cancer-killing drug at the source of the
cancer. This "targeted chemotherapy" has proven remarkably
effective in past clinical trials.
PharmaCyte Biotech is also working towards improving the quality
of life for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer and on
treatments for other types of solid cancerous tumors. In addition,
PharmaCyte Biotech is developing treatments for cancer based upon
chemical constituents of the Cannabis plant, known as cannabinoids.
In doing so, PharmaCyte Biotech is examining ways to exploit the
benefits of Cell-in-a-Box® technology in optimizing the anticancer
effectiveness of cannabinoids, while minimizing or outright
eliminating the debilitating side effects usually associated with
cancer treatments. This provides PharmaCyte Biotech the rare
opportunity to develop "green" approaches to fighting deadly
diseases, such as cancer of the pancreas, brain and breast, which
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, could cause actual results to differ materially
from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. They
include PharmaCyte's ability to continue as a going concern, delays
or unsuccessful results in preclinical and clinical trials, 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.
More information about PharmaCyte Biotech can be found at
www.PharmaCyte.com. It can also be obtained by contacting Investor
Relations.
CONTACT: Investor Relations:
PharmaCyte Biotech, Inc.
Investor Relations Department
Telephone: 917.595.2856
Email: InvestorRelations@PharmaCyte.com