LOWELL, Mass. and HOUSTON, May 19, 2015 -- Alcyone Lifesciences, Inc., a leader in neural intervention systems for neurological conditions and targeted drug delivery, and DNAtrix Inc., a privately held biotechnology company and a leader in oncolytic virus therapy, have entered into an exclusive clinical collaboration. Under the agreement, DNAtrix will utilize Alcyone's MEMS Cannula (AMC) targeted delivery platform for the intratumoral delivery of DNX-2401, an oncolytic adenovirus and DNAtrix's lead product for the treatment of the most aggressive form of brain cancer, glioblastoma (GBM).
"We are excited to have the opportunity to explore the use of Alcyone's MEMS platform for direct drug delivery into glioblastoma. Our micron sized microelectromechanical system (MEMS) based multi-channeled tip and other proprietary features are specifically designed to address the key challenges of optimized and targeted bio-distribution, in addition to avoiding the blood brain barrier for novel biologics such as those pioneered by DNAtrix," commented PJ Anand, Alcyone's founder and chief executive officer.
"We are pleased to have the use of this best-in-class brain delivery platform for treating brain cancer," said Frank Tufaro, Ph.D., chief executive officer of DNAtrix. "Circumventing the blood brain barrier addresses an industry-wide challenge and should make it much easier for the physician to deliver a more effective therapeutic dose of DNX-2401 to the tumor."
Dr. E. Antonio Chiocca, MD., PhD., chairman of neurosurgery at Brigham and Women's Hospital and professor of neurosurgery atHarvard Medical School and also is a scientific advisor for both companies commented, "Reducing the risk of sub-optimal delivery in the brain is critical to therapeutic success. This partnership between Alcyone and DNAtrix increases the chance for even greater efficacy with this product candidate."
About Alcyone's MEMS Cannula (AMC) Targeted Delivery System
The Alcyone MEMS Cannula (AMCTM) Targeted Delivery System was developed using the company's proprietary microelectromechanical system (MEMS) technology platform. Without burdening the neurosurgery community with unnecessary additional capital equipment, the AMC can be utilized with any existing commercial imaging and stereotactic system in conjunction with the work-flow friendly clinical use guideline designed by the company's scientist and neurosurgery advisors. Neurosurgeons can select a target, navigate the AMC precisely to the target, and observe in real-time the precision delivery of the therapeutic agent, all under intra-procedural MRI guidance. In addition to the MEMS tip which has dual micro-channels, the AMC features a unique patented distal end design that helps prevent reflux or back flow along the cannula shaft, which can be a significant drawback with current devices. The AMC platform device is designed for optimal targeted bio-distribution and neurosurgeon's ease of use.
About DNAtrix's DNX-2401 for Glioblastoma
DNAtrix's lead product, DNX-2401, is currently being evaluated in clinical trials as a single agent or together with other therapies. DNX-2401 is a conditionally-replicative oncolytic adenovirus that has been engineered to specifically target a large number of tumor cell types. Multiple genetic modifications have been made to the virus so that DNX-2401 selectively infects and kills tumor cells while sparing normal healthy cells.
About Glioblastoma
Glioblastoma is the most common and most aggressive malignant primary brain tumor in humans that is resistant to conventional therapies. It accounts for 52 percent of all functional tissue brain tumor cases and 20 percent of all intracranial tumors. The current standard of care – surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy – has extended the overall median survival to only 14.6 months. Treatment of glioblastoma remains an unmet medical need wherein new therapeutic modalities are essential requisites for impacting the course of this disease.
About Alcyone Lifesciences, Inc.
Alcyone Lifesciences, based in Lowell, Massachusetts, is a privately-held medical device company focused on development of novel treatment modalities for chronic neurological conditions. The Company's patented technology platform is based on a uniquely engineered amalgamation of microfabrication technologies along with advanced biomedical engineering with core product focus on targeted drug therapy and hydrocephalus. Alcyone's team of scientists, physicians and advisers includes recognized leaders in the field of neurology and neurosurgery. For more information, please visit www.alcyonels.com
About DNAtrix
DNAtrix is a company developing modified viruses for the treatment of the most aggressive forms of cancer. Since viruses are already efficient at killing cells, scientists have harnessed this ability by modifying a common cold virus so that it targets and selectively kills cancer cells. DNAtrix is a privately held company located in Houston, Texas and San Diego, California. For more information, please visit the Company's website at www.dnatrix.com.
Contacts:
For Alcyone Life Sciences, Inc.
PJ Anand
Chief Executive Officer
[email protected]
(978) 709-1946
For DNAtrix, Inc.
Frank Tufaro, Ph.D.
Chief Executive Officer
[email protected]
(858) 342-6577