LOS ANGELES, Oct. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Alfacell Corporation
During his presentation, Dr. Lee provided pre-clinical evidence that ONCONASE significantly increased the radiation-induced tumor growth delay of lung tumors in vivo without increases in skin reaction compared to radiation alone. Additionally, Dr. Lee and his team of researchers identified non- invasive imaging biomarkers that can potentially be used as a therapeutic predictor for ONCONASE in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.
"ONCONASE significantly reduced the tumor hypertension that is the major physiological barrier of therapeutic delivery to solid tumors," said Dr. Lee. "As a result, ONCONASE increased tumor penetration and selectively increased tumor blood flow. This investigation suggests that ONCONASE may be a new and promising drug in the treatment of non-small cell lung carcinoma patients as a radiation therapy enhancer."
Kuslima Shogen, Alfacell's chairman and chief executive officer, added: "We're pleased to see that through continuing research we're learning about the broader potential for ONCONASE. Biomarkers are important in assessing patients' responses to treatments, and the reduction of lactate levels in response to ONCONASE is a positive indication of its possible utility."
Alfacell will host a Webinar at 8 a.m. EST on Nov. 29 on RNA interference- like mechanics of ribonuclease (RNase) therapeutics. The panel of presenters will be comprised on world-renowned RNase and RNA researchers to discuss the basics of RNases, how RNases cleave RNA to interfere with the cell cycle, and the potential clinical applications for RNase therapeutics. To participate in the Webinar, click on the link posted on the Upcoming Events section of Alfacell's Web site at www.alfacell.com and enter 154905 for the room number. Please connect to the Webinar several minutes prior to the start time to ensure adequate time for any software download that may be necessary. The live event may also be accessed by dialing (877) 407-9205 (for U.S. callers) and (201) 689-8054 (for international callers). Questions may be asked over the telephone during the live event or e-mailed in advance to andreas.marathis@russopartnersllc.com. The Webinar will be available for replay for 90 days on Alfacell's Web site.
About ONCONASE(R)
ONCONASE is a first-in-class product candidate based on Alfacell's proprietary ribonuclease (RNase) technology. A natural protein isolated from the leopard frog, ONCONASE has been shown in the laboratory and clinic to target cancer cells while sparing normal cells. ONCONASE triggers apoptosis, the natural death of cells, via multiple molecular mechanisms of action.
About Alfacell Corporation
Alfacell Corporation is the first company to advance a biopharmaceutical product candidate that works in a manner similar to RNA interference (RNAi) through late-stage clinical trials. The product candidate, ONCONASE, is an RNase that overcomes the challenges of targeting RNA for therapeutic purposes while enabling the development of a new class of targeted therapies for cancer and other life-threatening diseases. In addition to an ongoing Phase IIIb study in malignant mesothelioma, Alfacell is conducting a Phase I/II trial of ONCONASE in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and other solid tumors. For more information, visit www.alfacell.com.
Safe Harbor
This press release includes statements that may constitute "forward- looking" statements, usually containing the words "believe," "estimate," "project," "expect" or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Factors that would cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, uncertainties involved in transitioning from concept to product, uncertainties involving the ability of the company to finance research and development activities, potential challenges to or violations of patents, uncertainties regarding the outcome of clinical trials, the company's ability to secure necessary approvals from regulatory agencies, dependence upon third-party vendors, and other risks discussed in the company's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. By making these forward-looking statements, the company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release.
Media Contact: Investor Contact:
David Schull or Wendy Lau Andreas Marathovouniotis
Russo Partners Russo Partners
212-845-4271 212-845-4253
david.schull@russopartnersllc.com andreas.marathis@russopartnersllc.comwendy.lau@russopartnersllc.comSource: Alfacell Corporation