SAN MARINO, Calif. — Epeius Biotechnologies Corporation today announced the publication of a historic landmark in medical oncology and a definitive benchmark in the emerging field of cancer gene therapy. The first clinical report of its kind, Le Morte du Tumour – published in the June issue of the International Journal of Oncology, Vol.30, pp. 1297-1307 – documents the histologic features of tumor destruction observed in chemo-resistant cancers following intravenous infusions of Rexin-G(TM), the world’s first tumor-targeted genetic medicine for cancer therapy.
In other words, this paper documents the unprecedented efficacy of targeted gene delivery in the tragic battlefield of metastatic cancer, where all other treatments have historically failed.
Previously, Gordon et al. reported that intravenous infusions of Rexin-G, a pathotropic nanoparticle bearing a cyto-ablative construct, induced tumor regression, reduced tumor burden, and improved survival, while enhancing the overall quality-of-life of patients with otherwise intractable cancers (2006). In this new clinical paper, the authors describe the major histopathologic and radiologic features that are characteristic of solid tumors under the onslaught of Rexin-G administered as a single therapeutic agent. To further promote tumor eradication and enhance cancer survival, the potential of an auxiliary gene transfer strategy was explored, specifically intended to induce cancer auto-immunization.
This immunization strategy uses Rexin-G in combination with Reximmune-C(TM) a tumor-targeted expression vector bearing a granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) gene. The intent of this two-step approach is to bring a complement of cells involved in humoral and cell-mediated immunity in close proximity to the immunizing tumor antigens in a concerted effort to assist in tumor eradication and to promote a cancer vaccination in situ. Featuring more than 40 histological plates, from surgical biopsies and excised tumors, the paper provides indisputable proofs-of-principle for both tumor destruction and active immunization induced by the targeted gene transfer approach.
The literary allegory of Le Morte du Tumour and the characterization of metastatic cancer as a personal battlefield is apt, for in the words of Dr. Frederick L. Hall, President and CEO of Epeius – “In each and every cancer patient extends their very own impedimenta, which deepens and exacerbates with time and ineffectual apothecary. The scientists and physicians at Epeius Biotechnologies are proud to have participated in the historic events that brought these first targeted genetic medicines safely and conscientiously across the threshold of history, bringing hard science gently to the bedside.”
About Epeius Biotechnologies
Epeius Biotechnologies Corporation is a privately held biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the advancement of genetic medicine with the development and commercialization of its proprietary targeted delivery systems. Credited with innovations ranging from oncogene discovery, to designer therapeutic genes, to pathotropic (disease-seeking) targeting, to high-performance vector engineering, to advanced biopharmaceutical manufacturing and bioprocess development, Epeius Biotechnologies is well positioned to “launch” its enabling platform technologies for the benefit of cancer patients worldwide.
Rapid advances in clinical drug development provide Epeius with a unique opportunity for early revenues from the exportation and sale of its lead product to the Philippines and reciprocating Southeast Asian countries-thus demonstrating the high growth potential of a small biotechnology company while maintaining the lowered risk profile of a biopharmaceutical company with a high-value, late-stage product.
To learn more about Rexin-G and Epeius’ pipeline of proprietary compounds currently available for partnership or clinical trials, please visit http://epeiusbiotech.com.
[tags]Epeius Biotechnologies Corporation, medical oncology, chemo resistant cancers, tumor targeted genetic medicine[/tags]
