VBL Therapeutics Announces Publication of Research on a Potential Novel Immuno-Oncology Target
January 31 2017 - 4:01PM
VBL Therapeutics (NASDAQ:VBLT), announced today the publication of
a paper discussing MOSPD2, a potential novel immuno-oncology
target. The paper, entitled, "Identification of Motile Sperm
Domain–Containing Protein 2 as Regulator of Human Monocyte
Migration" by Mendel et al., is published online in The Journal of
Immunology. VBL's manuscript reveals that MOSPD2, a protein with a
previously unknown function, regulates cell migration in human
monocytes. While this first manuscript focuses on the importance of
MOSPD2 in immune cells, research conducted by VBL has explored the
relevance of MOSPD2 in motility and metastasis of tumor cells.
These oncology-related data will be presented at the forthcoming
American Association of Cancer research (AACR) conference in
Washington, DC, April 1-5, 2017.
This novel platform technology enriches VBL's
capabilities, which include the Vascular Targeting System (VTS™)
gene-therapy-based platform technology lead by the Phase 3 drug
candidate VB-111 (ofranergene obadenovec) and the Lecinoxoids
family of small molecules which have potential applications in
cardiovascular, NASH and fibrotic diseases.
"We have been working on this project in house for
several years, ever since we learned that some of our Lecinoxoid
molecules inhibit monocyte migration,” said Eyal Breitbart, PhD, VP
for Research at VBL. "Our experiments led to identification of
MOSPD2 as a regulator of cell motility in monocytes and
neutrophils, but moreover, they imply that MOSPD2 might be playing
a similar role in certain tumor cells."
The company believes that targeting of MOSPD2 may
have several therapeutic applications, including inhibition of
monocyte migration in chronic inflammatory conditions, inhibition
of tumor cell metastases and targeting of MOSPD2+ tumor cells.
VBL's "VB-600 series" of pipeline candidates is being developed
towards these applications. The company expects to report
additional findings related to MOSPD2 in Q2 2017.
For open access to the manuscript please see:
http://www.jimmunol.org/content/early/2017/01/27/jimmunol.1601662
About VBL Vascular Biogenics Ltd.,
operating as VBL Therapeutics, is a clinical stage
biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and
commercialization of first-in-class treatments for cancer. The
Company’s lead oncology product candidate, ofranergene obadenovec
(VB-111), is a first-in-class, targeted anti-cancer gene-therapy
agent that is positioned to treat a wide range of solid tumors. It
is conveniently administered as an IV infusion once every two
months. It has been observed to be well-tolerated in >200 cancer
patients and we have observed its efficacy signals in an “all
comers” Phase 1 trial as well as in three tumor-specific Phase 2
studies. Ofranergene obadenovec is currently being studied in a
Phase 3 pivotal trial for recurrent Glioblastoma, conducted under
an FDA Special Protocol Assessment (SPA).
About Ofranergene Obadenovec
(VB-111)Ofranergene obadenovec is a unique biologic agent
that uses a dual mechanism to target solid tumors. Based on a
non-integrating, non-replicating, Adeno 5 vector, ofranergene
obadenovec utilizes VBL's proprietary Vascular Targeting System
(VTS™) to target the tumor vasculature for cancer therapy. Unlike
anti-VEGF or TKIs, ofranergene obadenovec does not aim to block a
specific pro-angiogenic pathway; instead, it uses an
angiogenesis-specific sensor (VBL's PPE-1-3x proprietary promoter)
to specifically induce cell death in angiogenic endothelial cells
in the tumor milieu. This mechanism retains activity regardless of
baseline tumor mutations or the identity of the pro-angiogenic
factors secreted by the tumor and shows efficacy even after failure
of prior treatment with other anti-angiogenics. Moreover,
ofranergene obadenovec induces specific anti-tumor immune response,
which is accompanied by recruitment of CD8 T-cells and apoptosis of
tumor cells.
Ofranergene obadenovec completed a Phase 2 study in
rGBM, which showed a statistically significant improvement in
overall survival in patients treated with ofranergene obadenovec
through progression, compared to either patients treated with
ofranergene obadenovec followed by bevacizumab alone, or to
historical bevacizumab data. In a Phase 2 trial for recurrent
platinum-resistant ovarian cancer, ofranergene obadenovec
demonstrated a statistically significant increase in overall
survival and 60% durable response rate (as measured by reduction in
CA-125), approximately 2x the historical response with bevacizumab
plus chemotherapy in ovarian cancer. In a Phase 2 study in
recurrent, iodine-resistant differentiated thyroid cancer,
ofranergene obadenovec met the primary endpoint and provided
evidence of disease stabilization and a positive safety
profile. Ofranergene obadenovec has received Fast Track
Designation for recurrent glioblastoma in the U.S. and orphan drug
status for glioblastoma in both the U.S. and EU.
Forward Looking Statements This
press release contains forward-looking statements. All statements
other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking
statements, which are often indicated by terms such as
“anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “goal,”
“intend,” “look forward to”, “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,”
“project,” “should,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions. These
forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to,
statements regarding the clinical development of ofranergene
obadenovec (VB-111) and its therapeutic potential and clinical
results, as well as the potential relevance of MOSPD2 in immune
cells and in motility and metastasis of tumor cells. These
forward-looking statements are not promises or guarantees and
involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Among the factors that
could cause actual results to differ materially from those
described or projected herein include uncertainties associated
generally with scientific research and development, clinical trials
and related regulatory reviews and approvals, and the risk that
historical clinical trial results may not be predictive of future
trial results. A further list and description of these risks,
uncertainties and other risks can be found in the Company’s
regulatory filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission, including in our annual report on Form 20-F for the
year ended December 31, 2015. Existing and prospective
investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these
forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.
VBL Therapeutics undertakes no obligation to update or revise the
information contained in this press release, whether as a result of
new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise.
INVESTOR CONTACT:
Michael Rice
LifeSci Advisors, LLC
(646) 597-6979
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