SILVER SPRING, Md., Oct. 31, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nuvilex, Inc. (OTCQB:NVLX), an international biotechnology provider of cell and gene therapy solutions, announced today a contract has been signed with ViruSure GmbH to perform the initial amplification of cells to ultimately be used in Nuvilex's treatment for advanced pancreatic cancer.
ViruSure GmbH, located in Vienna, Austria, is an important biosafety company within the international biotechnology community as a result of its cell culture, virus, prion, and other infectious agents testing, growth and assessment capabilities. Dr. Robert Ryan, President and CEO of Nuvilex, recently visited the ViruSure GmbH facilities with Dr. Walter Günzburg, Chairman of Nuvilex's subsidiary, Austrianova Singapore (ASPL). ViruSure has state-of-the-art facilities for amplification of any cells under GLP (Good Laboratory Practices) conditions. As a result of substantial planning, ViruSure will carry out the first amplification of the cells needed for the planned pancreatic cancer clinical trials designed to treat advanced, non-surgically removable pancreatic cancer.
Dr. Günzburg commented, "We have been discussing and planning an agreement with ViruSure GmbH for some time so they can perform the initial amplification of these cells. These specially designed cells that were part of both the prior successful Phase 1/2 clinical trials are critical for our planned clinical trials in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. Acquiring funding for this contract by Nuvilex represents a major and vital step in our preparations."
Nuvilex's pancreatic cancer treatment employs implantation of living cells encapsulated in a specially designed capsule, after which the patients are provided with the anticancer drug ifosfamide. The encapsulated cells are first implanted near the patient's pancreatic cancer tumor. The chemotherapeutic drug ifosfamide is given the following day into the blood stream. The implanted encapsulated live cells serve as "miniature factories" to convert ifosfamide into its active, cancer-killing, form. The present contract with ViruSure is the initial step in the process of preparing large numbers of cells for storage, ultimate encapsulation and use in the planned clinical trials.
Dr. Ryan, Head of Nuvilex, stated, "After visiting ViruSure I was satisfied with the facilities, personnel and their overall capabilities and was pleased to engage them for this important task. We feel that their expertise will provide us the best potential to perform this work successfully. Our efforts will continue to prepare the development of our pancreatic cancer treatment, clinical trials, and future direction of the Company. Funding by Nuvilex has enabled initiation of this project."
About Nuvilex
Nuvilex, Inc. (OTCQB:NVLX) is an international biotechnology provider of live therapeutically valuable, encapsulated cells and services for research and medicine. A great deal of work is ongoing to move Nuvilex forward, including preparations for the clinical trial and in addition to the ViruSure amplification, as we complete all other necessary activities for the Company which are moving toward completion. Our company's clinical offerings will include cancer, diabetes and other treatments using the company's cell and gene therapy expertise and live-cell encapsulation technology.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements described within the 1995 Private Securities Litigation Reform Act involving risks and uncertainties including product demand, market competition, and meeting current or future plans which may cause actual results, events, and performances, expressed or implied, to vary and/or differ from those contemplated or predicted. Investors should study and understand all risks before making an investment decision. Readers are recommended not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. Nuvilex is not obliged to publicly release revisions to any forward-looking statement, reflect events or circumstances afterward, or disclose unanticipated occurrences, except as required under applicable laws.
The Nuvilex, Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=13494