PharmaCyte Biotech Releases Medical and Scientific Discussion from 2016 ASCO Annual Meeting
June 23 2016 - 9:20AM
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 the release of 5 video
presentations that captured PharmaCyte’s medical and scientific
discussion with oncologists interested in participating in
PharmaCyte’s Phase 2b clinical trial in advanced, inoperable
pancreatic cancer. The discussion session was by invitation only
during the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical
Oncology (ASCO) in Chicago.
Portions of the session were videotaped, and the
videos can be viewed at: www.PharmaCyte.com/Media
Commenting on the medical and scientific
discussion, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Kenneth L.
Waggoner said, “On behalf of PharmaCyte, I would like to express
our sincere appreciation to all who participated in this event,
particularly those who traveled from Europe and Thailand to make
presentations. Special thanks to those oncologists who sacrificed
their time at the ASCO annual meeting to play such a major role.
The discussion period led by Dr. Hidalgo was informative and
stimulating. We believe it will prove to be of great value to
PharmaCyte as we move forward with our preparations for the Phase
2b trial in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer.”
In addition to senior management from
PharmaCyte, participants in the meeting included Dr. Walter H.
Günzburg, PharmaCyte’s Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Brian Salmons,
a member of PharmaCyte’s Medical and Scientific Advisory Board, Dr.
Matthias Löhr, from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden
and the Chairman of PharmaCyte’s Medical and Scientific Advisory
Board, and Dr. Manuel Hidalgo from the Beth Israel Deaconess
Medical Center in Boston and a member of PharmaCyte’s Medical and
Scientific Advisory Board. Joining PharmaCyte at the discussion
were Dr. Stephen Gately and a team from Translational Drug
Development (TD2), Dr. Ronald L. Korn from Imaging Endpoints, and,
most importantly, a number of leading clinical oncologists from
cancer institutions in the United States and Europe.
The meeting began with an introductory slide
presentation by Mr. Waggoner. This was followed by presentations
from Dr. Günzburg and Dr. Salmons that covered the development of
the Cell-in-a-Box® technology and the properties of the capsules
produced using PharmaCyte’s platform technology. Dr. Löhr, who
served as the Principal Investigator for the previous 2 clinical
trials using PharmaCyte’s pancreatic cancer therapy, presented the
results of the previous Phase 1/2 and Phase 2 clinical trials. Dr.
Hidalgo then covered the elements of the design of PharmaCyte’s
upcoming Phase 2b clinical trial. Following these formal
presentations, Dr. Hidalgo facilitated an hour-long discussion in
which the invited oncologists discussed the proposed Phase 2b trial
and ways to improve its design.
About PharmaCyte BiotechPharmaCyte Biotech is a
clinical stage biotechnology company 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 technology will be used as a
platform upon which treatments for several types of cancer and
diabetes are being developed. PharmaCyte’s treatment for cancer
involves encapsulating genetically modified human cells that
convert an inactive chemotherapy drug into its active or
“cancer-killing” form. These encapsulated cells are placed as close
to a cancerous tumor as possible. Once implanted in a patient, a
chemotherapy drug which needs to be activated in the body
(ifosfamide) is then given intravenously at one-third the normal
dose. The ifosfamide is carried by the circulatory system to where
the encapsulated cells have been placed. When the ifosfamide, which
is normally activated in the liver, comes in contact with the
encapsulated cells, activation of the chemotherapy drug takes place
at the source of the cancer without any side effects from the
chemotherapy. This “targeted chemotherapy” has proven remarkably
effective and safe to use in past clinical trials.
In addition to developing a novel treatment for
cancer, PharmaCyte is developing a treatment for Type 1 diabetes
and insulin-dependent Type 2 diabetes. PharmaCyte plans to
encapsulate a human cell line that has been genetically engineered
to produce, store and release insulin in response to the levels of
blood sugar in the human body. The encapsulation will be done using
the Cell-in-a-Box® technology.
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 or its management, are intended to identify
forward-looking statements. Important factors, many of which are
beyond the control of PharmaCyte, 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’s intellectual property and
PharmaCyte’s continued ability to raise capital. PharmaCyte does
not assume any obligation to update any of these forward-looking
statements.
More information about PharmaCyte can be found
at www.PharmaCyte.com. It can also be obtained by contacting
Investor Relations.
Investor Relations:
PharmaCyte Biotech, Inc.
Investor Relations Department
Telephone: 917.595.2856
Email: Info@PharmaCyte.com