LOS ANGELES, Jan. 5, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lion Biotechnologies, Inc., a biotechnology company that is developing novel cancer immunotherapies, today announced that it has filed an investigational new drug (IND) application with the United States Food and Drug Administration to conduct a Phase 2 clinical trial of the company's lead product candidate, LN-144, in the treatment of patients with refractory metastatic melanoma. LN-144 is a cell product of autologous tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) derived from the patient's tumor.
"This IND filing marks a significant milestone as we continue to advance our clinical programs in metastatic melanoma," said Elma Hawkins, PhD, Lion's president and chief executive officer. "In previous studies conducted by the National Cancer Institute and other academic institutions, TIL therapy has demonstrated consistent and impressive objective response rates including in patients who have exhausted other available treatment options."
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 conduct its Phase 2 clinical trial in metastatic melanoma and to further 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.
CONTACT: Investor Relations
The Trout Group
Gitanjali Jain Ogawa
646-378-2949
gogawa@troutgroup.com
Source: Lion Biotechnologies, Inc.
Released January 5, 2015