LOS ANGELES, Feb. 10, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lion Biotechnologies, Inc. (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 Institute of Health (NIH) to certain patents to develop and commercialize TIL therapy in the treatment of metastatic melanoma.
The exclusive license was obtained through an amendment to Lion's previously granted, non-exclusive, worldwide license to certain NIH issued and pending patent applications for the use of TIL in the treatment of metastatic melanoma. Several clinical trials of TIL are currently being conducted at a number of institutions, including the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and Moffitt Cancer Center. In January, Lion received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to initiate an additional Phase 2 study in refractory metastatic melanoma.
"We are pleased to have further strengthened our relationship with the NIH through this exclusive licensing agreement," said Elma Hawkins, PhD, Lion's president and chief executive officer. "Having exclusivity meaningfully de-risks our development and commercialization efforts, putting us in an even stronger position to investigate TIL therapy in the treatment of metastatic melanoma."
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 10, 2015