Cyplasin Biomedical Signs Term Sheet with Vaccine Company to License
Cyplasin's Auto-Antibody Drug ("AAD") Technology
CPBM: OTCBB
XYI1:FRA
EDMONTON, April 14 /CNW/ - Cyplasin Biomedical (Cyplasin), a publically-traded specialty pharmaceutical company with headquarters in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (OTCBB:CPBM), has entered into a term sheet and final stage of discussions with an undisclosed U.S. biotechnology company for the development of vaccines and immunotherapies targeting well-established cancer targets.
The CEO of Cyplasin, Garth Likes, stated, "Cyplasin is a pharmaceutical company focused on antiviral therapies and vaccines against hepatitis C. However late last year, when Cyplasin licensed the patented Hepatitis C technology from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) it also included other patents for the development of vaccines and immunotherapies against other viral diseases, autoimmune diseases, CNS diseases, and cancers, and it appears that we have attracted the attention of a U.S. biotechnology company who has several cancer targets and they are interested in using our platform technology for antigen delivery."
Cyplasin's core technology, covered by 14 issued U.S. patents and an exclusive license from the NIH, produces "Auto-Antibody Drugs" ("AADs") inside the body (in vivo) using modified recombinant virus-like particles (VLPs) that are chemically-conjugated with, or genetically-engineered to carry, antigens such as large tumor antigens or even small drug molecules. "Antigens are the target of human antibodies made by vaccination, so these AADs are made using a vaccination approach. Using periodic vaccination instead of chronic intravenous therapy will significantly lower the healthcare costs of treating these chronic diseases," said Mr. Likes, "and this is why we have chosen Hepatitis C as our own first product. However other applications apply and this is where we have explored licensing and or partnering with other companies to fully develop this technology."
Technology description
Using recombinant DNA technology, VLPs can be engineered to incorporate various viral and non-viral antigens. "Antigens presented in the context of a VLP carrier system are much more immunogenic than the antigen alone, and this carrier is so powerful that AADs may not require the use of immune adjuvants. This core technology will lead to the generation of multiple product lines in multiple therapeutic areas," said Dr. Joseph Sinkule, Board member of Cyplasin. Dr. Sinkule continues, "Cyplasin is using the technology to develop AADs that are 'entry inhibitors' to prevent hepatitis C viral infection of liver hepatocytes. Licensing partners can explore the use of non-viral proteins such as tumor antigens or other pathogenic 'self' proteins like the beta-amyloid of Alzheimer's or the TNF therapeutic target of rheumatoid arthritis can be incorporated into the VLP and they can use the AAD to act as a 'Trojan Horse' to present these 'self' proteins to the immune system via the endogenous pathway and thus overcome B-cell tolerance. The Company already has promising preclinical data in blocking these pathogenic 'self' proteins leading to the prevention of Alzheimer's Disease and arthritis in animal models using AADs."
Looking for other partnerships
Auto-Antibody Drugs ("AADs") can be used to generate therapeutic monoclonal and polyclonal antibody responses against disease targets with billion dollar market potential. The initial therapeutic targets include cancer, angiogenesis, chronic pain, inflammatory diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, allergy, and contraception.
Thus, while Cyplasin stays focused on anti-viral therapies and a preventative vaccine in the Hepatitis C market, the Company is interested in talking to other pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in an effort to license and partner the other indications derived from this core technology platform. Mr. Likes concludes, "By announcing this first deal related to several cancer targets, we hope to attract other strategic partners with interests in any or all of the potential therapeutic areas where this technology might be applied."
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains "forward-looking statements", as that term is defined in Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Statements in this current report which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future.
Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. Such factors include, among others, the inherent uncertainty of financial estimates and projections, the competitive and regulatory environments, stock market conditions, unforeseen technical difficulties and our ongoing ability to operate a business and obtain financing. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and we assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements.
Although we believe that our beliefs, plans, expectations and intentions contained in this current report are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions will prove to be accurate. Investors should consult all of the information set forth herein and should also refer to the risk factors disclosure outlined in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and our other periodic reports filed from time-to-time with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act.
For further information: Mr. Garth Likes, President/CEO, [email protected], Suite 131 Advanced Technology Center, 9650-20th Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, (780) 990-4539
Share this article