PharmaCyte Biotech Cannabinoid Research Shows Promise for Success
October 10 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 that it has advanced
into a new and promising phase of research at the University of
Northern Colorado (UNCO) in its quest to develop targeted
cannabinoid-based chemotherapy utilizing the Cell-in-a-Box®
technology.
“The work at UNCO is just one of the programs actively underway
at PharmaCyte,” commented the Chief Executive Officer of
PharmaCyte, Kenneth L. Waggoner. “With our preliminary work
complete, we are now looking forward to the possibility of making
significant progress in the development of targeted
cannabinoid-based chemotherapy. The approach being used for our
cannabinoid-based chemotherapy is the same as we are using for our
pancreatic cancer therapy.”
Utilizing data collected from recently-completed preliminary
studies, a new research protocol has been undertaken to deliver
anti-cancer cannabinoid molecules like cannabidiol (CBD) and
tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to solid tumors in a targeted fashion.
PharmaCyte has identified a naturally-occurring enzyme that it
believes is capable of converting specific cannabinoid prodrugs
into cancer-fighting forms. The exact gene code of this enzyme has
been sequenced.
Knowing the gene code, it is possible to synthesize the gene.
The gene may then be inserted or “transfected” into the genetic
code of live human cells. The bioengineered cells may then be grown
in culture and tested for their cannabinoid prodrug activating
ability. This work is currently in progress. If sufficient prodrug
activation is detected, PharmaCyte plans to move directly to
live-cell encapsulation using its Cell-in-a-Box® platform
technology and pre-clinical testing with various cancer models.
The goal is to implant encapsulated bioengineered cells at the
site of a tumor and then to administer the cannabinoid prodrug into
a blood vessel near the tumor. The enzyme produced by the live
cells within the capsules would activate the prodrug in a targeted
fashion, initiating cancer cell death. Such an approach should
maximize effectiveness and minimize side effects from this form of
chemotherapy.
“We are quite pleased with the progress UNCO has made and to
have all the necessary components in place to advance our
research,” commented cannabinoid medicine expert and member of
PharmaCyte’s Medical and Scientific Advisory Board, Dr. Mark L.
Rabe. “Having a candidate enzyme and knowing the gene behind it is
huge. It is now a matter of completing a series of steps and making
sure everything we have planned works. If so, it is a fairly
straight line to the clinic. Our initial goal is to tackle
glioblastoma, an almost untreatable form of brain cancer.”
About PharmaCyte Biotech
PharmaCyte Biotech is a clinical stage
biotechnology company developing therapies 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 therapies for several types of cancer and
diabetes are being developed. PharmaCyte’s therapy for cancer
involves encapsulating genetically engineered human cells that
convert an inactive chemotherapy drug into its active or
“cancer-killing” form. These encapsulated cells are implanted as
close to the patient’s cancerous tumor as possible. Once
implanted, a chemotherapy drug that is normally activated in the
liver (ifosfamide) is given intravenously at one-third the normal
dose. The ifosfamide is carried by the circulatory system to where
the encapsulated cells have been implanted. When the
ifosfamide comes in contact with the encapsulated cells they act as
an artificial liver and activate the chemotherapy drug at the
source of the cancer. This “targeted chemotherapy” has proven
effective and safe to use in past clinical trials and results in no
side effects.
In addition to developing a novel therapy for cancer, PharmaCyte
is developing a therapy for Type 1 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.
Once the encapsulated cells are implanted in a diabetic patient
they will function as a “bio-artificial pancreas” for purposes of
insulin production.
Safe HarborThis 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