Clinical Study to Treat Osteosarcoma in Companion Dogs Using Advaxis’ HER-2/neu Construct ADXS31-164
NORTH BRUNSWICK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Advaxis, Inc., (OTCBB: ADXS), the live, attenuated Listeria monocytogenes (Listeria) immunotherapy company and the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine have signed a veterinary clinical research study contract to treat osteosarcoma in companion dogs using Advaxis’ technology. The studies will be led by Assistant Professor Dr. Nicola Mason.
The study, slated to commence in 2010, augments Advaxis’ veterinary program and which currently includes the previously announced cooperative research and development agreement (CRADA) with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to study Listeria constructs in cattle.
“This research into companion animals could prove extremely important to our overall business,” commented Advaxis Chairman/CEO Thomas A. Moore. “We have had extensive positive results using ADXS31-164 in breast and brain cancer animal studies and are quite enthusiastic with its potential use with canine and human adolescent osteosarcoma. Our scientists are greatly broadening the potential use of our Listeria immunotherapeutic platform.”
About the Canine Osteosarcoma Study
Canine osteosarcoma is a leading cause of mortality in dogs, especially larger dogs, with an incidence of approximately 10,000 deaths annually. While chemotherapy, surgery and radiation prolong life, the recurrence is usually in one year or less. The proposed study of canine osteosarcoma above will use HER-2/neu constructs to treat bone cancer. HER-2/neu is a well known tumor antigen in a variety of human and animal cancers. The study will build support for a human program, as osteosarcoma in dogs is closely related to osteosarcoma in human adolescents. HER-2/neu is present in 40% of canine osteosarcoma and in many human tumors including breast and brain cancers. HER-2/neu is also associated with human osteosarcoma, a condition that resembles canine osteosarcoma. In humans, the disease is typically found in adolescents and is associated with high mortality.
About Dr. Nicola J. Mason’s Laboratory at the UPENN School of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Nicola J Mason’s laboratory focuses on the bench to bedside development of novel immunotherapeutic strategies to augment cytotoxic T-cell responses against common cancers in domestic dogs. Evaluation of the safety and efficacy of novel therapeutic approaches used to treat privately owned dogs with advanced cancers aims to provide important pre-clinical data for human cancer patients as well as develop novel therapies for canine cancer patients. Recent sequencing of the canine genome has revealed a close phylogenetic relationship between man and dog and both species spontaneously develop cancers that have similar biological, behavioral and genetic characteristics.
About Advaxis, Inc.
Advaxis is a biotechnology company developing proprietary, live, attenuated Listeria monocytogenes (Listeria) vaccines that deliver engineered tumor antigens, which stimulate multiple, simultaneous immunological mechanisms to fight cancer. Today, the Company has nine (9) distinct, cancer-fighting constructs in various stages of development, directly and through strategic collaborations with such recognized sites of excellence as the City of Hope, the Roswell Park Cancer Institute, the National Cancer Institute, the University of Pittsburgh and Cancer Research – UK. Advaxis’ technology was developed by Dr. Yvonne Paterson, professor of microbiology at the University of Pennsylvania and chairperson of Advaxis’ scientific advisory board.
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Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements contained in this press release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The statements contained herein that are not purely historical are forward looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements deal with the Company’s current plans, intentions, beliefs and expectations and statements of future economic performance. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause the Company's actual results in future periods to differ materially from what is currently anticipated. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include those discussed from time to time in reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company cannot guarantee its future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements.
CONTACT:
Advaxis, Incorporated
Conrad F. Mir
Executive Director
732-545-1590 (Office)
732-545-1084 (FAX)
[email protected]
or
Diana Moore
Analyst
732-545-1590 (Office)
732-545-1084 (FAX)
[email protected]
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