Lysaker, 22 August 2014 - PCI Biotech (PCIB) the Norwegian biopharmaceutical company, reported today that the treatment evaluation of the second group in the intra-tumour light dose escalation part of the ENHANCE study has been completed. ENHANCE is a phase II study of Amphinex® in combination with the cytotoxic agent bleomycin in recurrent head and neck cancer patients. No serious safety concerns were raised and strong clinical effects with clear indications of tumour response were seen at this light dose level.
A Dose Review Committee (DRC) of clinical experts and company representatives has been established to evaluate the results and provide recommendation for the continuation of the study. The DRC has recommended that three further patients are included at the same light dose level, before final selection of the light dose for proof of concept with intra-tumour treatment. Patients for the next group are currently being screened and will be treated with Amphinex® as soon as possible.
About PCI Biotech
PCI Biotech is a Norwegian biopharmaceutical company developing a novel light directed treatment system based on its patented photochemical internalisation (PCI) technology. Originating from world leading research at the Norwegian Radium Hospital, the PCI method involves first injecting the photosensitiser Amphinex® and thereafter the therapeutic drug to be specifically delivered to the diseased cells. When the diseased cells are illuminated the cells' endosomes are ruptured to allow successful intracellular delivery of the drug.
PCI can enhance the delivery of all molecules taken into the cell by endocytosis. This includes most types of macromolecules, drugs carried by antibodies or nanoparticles, as well as some small molecule drugs.
The PCI technology is also a versatile and innovative vaccination platform, which may specifically increase the cytotoxic T-cell response of vaccines. This is particularly important in therapeutic vaccination, when the immune system needs to recognise and destroy diseased cells (e.g. virus infected cells and cancer).
PCI Biotech follows a strategy to create value by improving the effect both of existing cancer drugs and by realizing the large potential in new therapeutics, including therapeutic vaccines.
For more information visit: www.pcibiotech.com
Contact information:
PCI Biotech Holding ASA, Strandveien 55, N-1366 Lysaker
Per Walday, CEO, pw@pcibiotech.no, Mobile: +47 917 93 429
Ronny Skuggedal, CFO, rs@pcibiotech.no, Mobile: +47 940 05 757
This information is subject of the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.