Press Releases
Media Contact:
Lorie Calvo
425-608-3008
lcalvo@nwbio.com
Northwest Biotherapeutics, Inc. to Present Favorable Data on Effects of DCVax®-Prostate on Progression of Advanced-Stage Prostate Cancer
Bothell, Washington - Wednesday, July 23, 2003 - Northwest Biotherapeutics, Inc. (NWBT.OB) today announced it will present favorable long-term follow-up data from advanced-stage prostate cancer patients treated with DCVax®-Prostate in a clinical trial initiated three years ago at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center under the direction of Christos Papandreou, M.D., Ph.D. The data will be presented by Dr. Alton Boynton, President and COO/CSO of Northwest Biotherapeutics at the 2nd annual “Commercializing Therapeutic Cancer Vaccines” conference being held on July 24 and 25, 2003, in Washington, D.C.
“We are particularly pleased with the positive impact on disease progression of DCVax®-Prostate in androgen independent prostate cancer patients now followed for up to two years after treatment,” stated Dr. Boynton. “The median time to progression for thirteen (13) patients who had a vaccine specific antibody response was three (3) fold greater compared to nine (9) patients with no antibody response. Patients demonstrating a positive clinical response correlated positively (P= 0.02) with development of vaccine specific antibodies in the blood.”
Dr. Boynton will also present data on DCVax®-Direct, a single therapeutic vaccine designed for all solid tumors. DCVax®-Direct was developed for use as an adjuvant to standard chemotherapy or radiation therapy with dendritic cells directly injected into tumors. Preclinical animal data previously reported demonstrated not only tumor regression but prevention of recurring tumor growth. DCVax®-Direct is produced via Northwest Biotherapeutics’ recently announced cost-effective and automated tangential flow cell separation system for processing dendritic cells on a commercial scale.
“The long-term clinical benefit of creating a specific antibody immune response by DCVax®-Prostate is highly encouraging, and critical in the continuance of dendritic cell-based vaccines towards commercialization,” stated Daniel O. Wilds, Chairman and CEO of Northwest Biotherapeutics. “This positive data reaffirms our belief in the potential of commercial dendritic cell-based vaccines for cancer. Preclinical work on our most advanced vaccine, DCVax®-Direct, is now complete and we are seeking funding for Phase I/II clinical trial work early next year. We believe that DCVax®-Direct coupled with the commercial scale manufacturing capability of our TFF Cell Separation System, uniquely positions Northwest Biotherapeutics for the commercialization of cancer vaccines.”
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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