SILVER SPRING, Md., June 23, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 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 the release of 5 video presentations that captured PharmaCyte’s medical and scientific discussion with oncologists interested in participating in PharmaCyte’s Phase 2b clinical trial in advanced, inoperable pancreatic cancer. The discussion session was by invitation only during the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) in Chicago.
Portions of the session were videotaped, and the videos can be viewed at: www.PharmaCyte.com/Media
Commenting on the medical and scientific discussion, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Kenneth L. Waggoner said, “On behalf of PharmaCyte, I would like to express our sincere appreciation to all who participated in this event, particularly those who traveled from Europe and Thailand to make presentations. Special thanks to those oncologists who sacrificed their time at the ASCO annual meeting to play such a major role. The discussion period led by Dr. Hidalgo was informative and stimulating. We believe it will prove to be of great value to PharmaCyte as we move forward with our preparations for the Phase 2b trial in patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer.”
In addition to senior management from PharmaCyte, participants in the meeting included Dr. Walter H. Günzburg, PharmaCyte’s Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Brian Salmons, a member of PharmaCyte’s Medical and Scientific Advisory Board, Dr. Matthias Löhr, from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden and the Chairman of PharmaCyte’s Medical and Scientific Advisory Board, and Dr. Manuel Hidalgo from the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston and a member of PharmaCyte’s Medical and Scientific Advisory Board. Joining PharmaCyte at the discussion were Dr. Stephen Gately and a team from Translational Drug Development (TD2), Dr. Ronald L. Korn from Imaging Endpoints, and, most importantly, a number of leading clinical oncologists from cancer institutions in the United States and Europe.
The meeting began with an introductory slide presentation by Mr. Waggoner. This was followed by presentations from Dr. Günzburg and Dr. Salmons that covered the development of the Cell-in-a-Box® technology and the properties of the capsules produced using PharmaCyte’s platform technology. Dr. Löhr, who served as the Principal Investigator for the previous 2 clinical trials using PharmaCyte’s pancreatic cancer therapy, presented the results of the previous Phase 1/2 and Phase 2 clinical trials. Dr. Hidalgo then covered the elements of the design of PharmaCyte’s upcoming Phase 2b clinical trial. Following these formal presentations, Dr. Hidalgo facilitated an hour-long discussion in which the invited oncologists discussed the proposed Phase 2b trial and ways to improve its design.
About PharmaCyte Biotech
PharmaCyte Biotech is a clinical stage biotechnology company developing and preparing to commercialize treatments 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 treatments for several types of cancer and diabetes are being developed. PharmaCyte’s treatment for cancer involves encapsulating genetically modified human cells that convert an inactive chemotherapy drug into its active or “cancer-killing” form. These encapsulated cells are placed as close to a cancerous tumor as possible. Once implanted in a patient, a chemotherapy drug which needs to be activated in the body (ifosfamide) is then given intravenously at one-third the normal dose. The ifosfamide is carried by the circulatory system to where the encapsulated cells have been placed. When the ifosfamide, which is normally activated in the liver, comes in contact with the encapsulated cells, activation of the chemotherapy drug takes place at the source of the cancer without any side effects from the chemotherapy. This “targeted chemotherapy” has proven remarkably effective and safe to use in past clinical trials.
In addition to developing a novel treatment for cancer, PharmaCyte is developing a treatment for Type 1 diabetes 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.
Safe Harbor
This 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