NEW YORK, NY -- (Marketwired) -- 03/28/16 -- Lion Biotechnologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: LBIO), a biotechnology company that is developing novel cancer immunotherapies based on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), today announced the appointment of Michael T. Lotze, MD, as chief scientific officer (CSO) and vice president of research and development, effective immediately.
A renowned expert in immuno-oncology with more than 35 years of clinical experience, Dr. Lotze joins the company from the University of Pittsburgh, where he served as founding director of the Division of Surgical Oncology, Co-leader of Biologic Therapy and Gene Therapy in its Cancer Institute, professor of immunology, surgery and bioengineering; vice chair of research in the department of surgery; and assistant vice chancellor in the university's six schools of health sciences. He was also director of strategic partnerships within the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute and the Catalyst Program in the Clinical and Translational Research Institute. As a Past President of the current Society for the Immunotherapy of Cancer, Director of the Centers of Excellence for the Federation of Clinical Immunology Societies, Co-founder of the Translational Research Cancer Center Consortium and the Translational Research in Mitochondria, Aging, and Disease, as well as the International DAMPs and HMGB1 Symposia, he brings a rich organizational presence to Lion.
Having initiated the first approved gene therapy protocols at the National Institutes of Health, Dr. Lotze has treated over 100 patients on gene therapy at the University of Pittsburgh. He is the co-inventor of ten patents in dendritic cell vaccines and antigen discovery, and the author of over 500 scientific papers, ten published books and chapters in basic and applied tumor immunology and cytokine biology texts. He also serves as associate editor of the Journal of Immunotherapy, Cancer Gene Therapy, Immuno-oncology, and Nature Regenerative Medicine.
Dr. Lotze has held several senior scientific and research positions at GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals and Metacine, Inc. His areas of oncology research include mechanisms of programmed and unscheduled cell death, cytokine and checkpoint therapies, and cellular immunotherapy.
"We are delighted to welcome Michael as chief scientific officer," said Elma Hawkins, PhD, Lion's president and CEO. "Michael's deep expertise in immuno-oncology, combined with his extensive clinical experience, will be an asset to Lion as we continue advancing our clinical programs and developing our TIL technologies in various cancer indications, both alone and in combination with other therapeutic agents."
About Lion Biotechnologies
Lion Biotechnologies, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the development of cancer immunotherapy products for the treatment of various cancers. The company's lead product candidate is an adoptive cell therapy using tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) for the treatment of patients with refractory metastatic melanoma. The company is also pursuing the use of its products in other cancer indications including cervical, and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The company's therapies are based on a clinical Cooperative Research and Development Agreement with the National Cancer Institute. TIL therapy is also being evaluated in physician-sponsored clinical trials at MD Anderson Cancer Center and Moffitt Cancer Center. For more information, please visit http://www.lionbio.com.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties described in the Company's most recently filed quarterly report on Form 10-Q and annual report on Form 10-K. Except as permitted by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Investor Contact:
Molly Henderson
212.946.4856
Source: Lion Biotechnologies, Inc.
Released March 28, 2016