SILVER SPRING, Md., Nov. 19, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nuvilex, Inc. (OTCQB:NVLX), a clinical-stage biotechnology company providing cell therapy solutions for the treatment of diseases, announced today that promising preliminary data has been released from the preclinical animal study on the effects of Nuvilex's pancreatic cancer treatment on the accumulation of ascites fluid in tumor-bearing animals. This study, performed by Nuvilex contractor, Translational Drug Development (TD2), employed immunosuppressed mice implanted with disseminated human ovarian cancer cells into the peritoneal cavity.
Preliminary data analysis suggests that treatment with Nuvilex's live-cell encapsulation technology, Cell-in-a-Box® plus ifosfamide, produces a significant survival advantage as compared to non-treated control animals. Nuvilex's treatment appears to be at least as good as cisplatin, the current standard of care for ovarian cancer. However, when the encapsulated cells plus ifosfamide were used in conjunction with cisplatin, the survival rate was greatly enhanced. The final data analysis will be released in the future.
"The data itself is not only exciting from an ascites point of view, but also provides further evidence that encapsulated cells plus ifosfamide are effective at treating yet another type of malignant tumor. This provides the rationale for additional clinical trials of this novel therapy," said Prof. Dr. Walter H. Günzburg, the Chief Scientific Officer of Nuvilex.
Nuvilex CEO and President, Kenneth L. Waggoner, stated, "We couldn't be more elated with the information we're receiving from TD-2 as Nuvilex's preclinical studies progress. Based on the preliminary data we've received, Nuvilex's treatment appears to be performing admirably alone and remarkably as a combination treatment. This data justifies our decision last year to purchase the exclusive global rights to further develop Cell-in-a-Box® cancer treatments."
About Nuvilex
Nuvilex (OTCQB:NVLX) is a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on developing and preparing to commercialize treatments for cancer and diabetes based upon a proprietary cellulose-based live cell encapsulation technology known as Cell-in-a-Box®. This unique and patented technology will be used as a platform upon which treatments for several types of cancer, including advanced, inoperable pancreatic cancer, and diabetes are being built. Nuvilex's treatment for pancreatic cancer involves the well-known anticancer prodrug ifosfamide, together with encapsulated live cells, which convert ifosfamide into its active or "cancer-killing" form. Nuvilex is also working towards improving the quality of life for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer and on treatments for other types of solid cancerous tumors. In addition, Nuvilex is developing treatments for cancer based upon chemical constituents of marijuana known as cannabinoids. Nuvilex is examining ways to exploit the benefits of Cell-in-a-Box® technology in optimizing the anticancer effectiveness of cannabinoids, while minimizing or outright eliminating the debilitating side effects usually associated with cancer treatments. This provides Nuvilex a unique opportunity to develop "green" approaches to fighting deadly cancers, such as those of the pancreas, brain and breast, which affect hundreds of thousands of individuals worldwide every year.
Safe Harbor
This press release may contain forward-looking statements regarding Nuvilex and its future events and results that involve inherent risks and uncertainties. The words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "plan" and similar expressions, as they relate to Nuvilex or its management, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Important factors, many of which are beyond the control of Nuvilex, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements include Nuvilex's ability to continue as a going concern, delays or unsuccessful results in clinical trials or flaws or defects regarding its product candidates, changes in relevant legislation or regulatory requirements, uncertainty of protection of Nuvilex's intellectual property and Nuvilex's continued ability to raise capital. Nuvilex does not assume any obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements.
More information about Nuvilex can be found at www.nuvilex.com. It can also be obtained by contacting Investor Relations.