Press Releases
Media Contact:
Lorie Calvo
425-608-3008
lcalvo@nwbio.com
Northwest Biotherapeutics’ initial DCVax®-Direct clinical evaluation being planned at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center
Bothell, Washington - July 7, 2003 - Northwest Biotherapeutics, Inc. (NWBT.OB) announced today the first intended in-patient evaluation of its new therapeutic approach for cancer, DCVax®-Direct. The new approach, which has shown great promise in preclinical evaluations, uses a proprietary formulation for the activation of dendritic cells that are injected directly into solid tumors. A Phase I clinical trial is being planned to evaluate DCVax®-Direct as a possible treatment for prostate cancer, at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida. This planned investigation will be directed by Dr. Dmitry Gabrilovich, M.D. Ph.D, Dr. Mayer Fishman, M.D., Dr. John Seigne, M.D. and Dr. Scott Antonia, M.D. Ph.D.
In addition to assessing the safety of the approach, the Phase I evaluation will involve the measurement of a patient’s immune response which will help determine the potential for DCVax®-Direct to impact disease progression. “We are very excited to work with Dr. Gabrilovich, who is one of the recognized leaders in the field of dendritic cell research” states Dr. Marnix Bosch, VP for Vaccine Research and Development at Northwest Biotherapeutics. “This is the first application of DCVax®-Direct in patients, and we are looking forward to establish additional collaborations that will allow evaluation of this technology in a wide variety of solid tumors.”
Dr. Gabrilovich stated, “DCVax®-Direct is an important and potentially promising new approach for the treatment of solid tumors. We hope to translate Northwest Biotherapeutics’ exciting preclinical animal experience to human cancer therapeutics. The key to the success of the Company’s preclinical studies appears to be the activation of the dendritic cells prior to injection into the tumor. If effective, DCVax®-Direct will have enabled us to mobilize a patient’s own immune system to combat their cancer. We are pleased to be a part of this effort.”
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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