Press Releases
Media Contact:
Lorie Calvo
425-608-3008
lcalvo@nwbio.com
Northwest Biotherapeutics identifies CXCR-4 clinical antibodies that inhibit tumor cell division and metastasis
Bothell, Washington - June 25, 2003 - Northwest Biotherapeutics, Inc. (NWBT.OB) today announced the completion of its in vitro pre-clinical assessment of a battery of proprietary monoclonal antibodies directed against the cancer associated target CXCR-4. Two of the studied antibodies inhibited tumor cell division and exhibited other anti-cancer properties.
NWBT scientists were the first to discover that CXCR-4 is over-expressed in cancer. The original findings showed CXCR-4 detectable in Glioblastoma and Breast cancer tissue but not measurable in normal counterpart tissue. These findings formed the basis for Company patent applications filed in early 1998. Subsequently, CXCR-4 has been identified in approximately 75% of all diagnosed cancers.
In recently completed laboratory studies, Company scientists found that the two antibodies inhibiting tumor growth also induce cell death, or apoptosis, in several different human cancer cell lines. In addition, these antibodies were found to block the movement or chemotaxis and invasion of cancer cells through other tissue in commonly used tests of metastasis.
Dr. Eric Holmes, the Company's Vice President of Biomedical R&D, stated, "Our findings are consistent with publications from other laboratories reporting that certain antibodies to CXCR-4 can prevent human tumor cell growth and metastasis in different animal model systems. Several of these studies also demonstrated that mice treated with antibodies to CXCR-4 were cured of their cancer."
Dr. Holmes indicated that the Company is initiating the next phase of its evaluation intended to identify the single antibody with the greatest potential clinical utility. "Once we identify which of the two antibodies represents the best therapeutic product candidate, we can have it humanized for use in potential future clinical trials," Holmes stated.
About Northwest Biotherapeutics
Northwest Biotherapeutics is a biotechnology company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing immunotherapy products that safely generate and enhance immune system responses to effectively treat cancer. The Company's strategy is to combine its expertise in dendritic cell biology, immunology and antigen discovery with its proprietary technologies to develop cancer therapies. The Company's lead product candidate, DCVax®-Prostate has completed Phase I/II clinical trials. As part of its strategy, it is further developing diagnostic and therapeutic antibodies against its proprietary cancer targets and it is continuing refinement of its next generation system for cost effectively producing high purity dendritic cells and dendritic cell precursors for potential new cancer products.
Statements made in this news release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statement. Specifically, there are a number of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, such as the Company's ability to raise additional capital, the timely performance of third parties and the Company's recent cost-cutting initiatives and the direct and indirect consequences of those initiatives. Additional information on these and other factors, which could affect the Company's results, are included in its Securities and Exchange Commission filings. Finally, there may be other factors not mentioned above or included in the Company's SEC filings that may cause actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or developments, except as required by securities laws.
DCVax® is a registered trademark of Northwest Biotherapeutics, Inc. All rights are reserved.
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