Novel Method Enhances Quality and Efficiency of TIL Production
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 11, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lion Biotechnologies, Inc. (OTCQB:LBIO), a biotechnology company that is developing novel cancer immunotherapies based on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), today announced that it has obtained an exclusive, worldwide license from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to intellectual property related for a next-generation TIL technology for the treatment of metastatic melanoma. This announcement follows a separate exclusive licensing agreement with the NIH for other TIL technologies, which was announced earlier this week.
The novel technology supports more potent and efficient TIL production from melanoma tumors by selecting for T-cell populations that express various inhibitory receptors, including 4-1BB (also known as CD137), PD-1, TIM-3 and/or LAG-3. TIL that express these proteins are associated higher tumor reactivity than other TIL populations, so fewer of the enriched cells are needed to be therapeutically effective.
In addition, the technology has potential to substantially reduce the time and cost of manufacturing. The licensed technology is currently being tested at the National Cancer Institute in a Phase 2 clinical trial in metastatic melanoma.
"This exclusive license from the NIH represents an expansion of our intellectual property portfolio, as well as an important step in the development of next-generation TIL therapies," said Elma Hawkins, PhD, Lion's president and CEO. "The licensed technology is expected to meaningfully enhance the quality and efficiency of TIL production for melanoma treatment. We look forward to continuing to work with the NIH to develop and commercialize new treatments based on this innovative platform."
About Lion Biotechnologies
Lion Biotechnologies, Inc. is engaged in the development of T cells and engineered T cells for the treatment of various cancers. The company's lead product candidate, LN-144, is a ready-to-infuse, autologous T-cell therapy utilizing tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) for the treatment of patients with metastatic melanoma, and is 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 the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute. 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, including the risks relating to the Company's ability to use its licensed technologies to develop a therapy for metastatic melanoma and to otherwise successfully develop or commercialize the Company's TIL technologies. Additional risks and uncertainties are 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.
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Source: Lion Biotechnologies, Inc.
Released February 11, 2015