Helix BioPharma Corp. Signs Collaboration Agreement With ProMab Biotechnologies to Co-Develop CAR-T for Hematological Malignancies


RICHMOND HILL, Ontario, March 21, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Helix BioPharma Corp. (TSX:HBP), (FSE:HBP) (“Helix” or the “Company”), a immuno-oncology company developing innovative drug candidates for the prevention and treatment of cancer, today announced the completion of the collaboration agreement with ProMab Biotechnologies, Inc. (“ProMab”) to develop novel antibody and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy (“CAR-T”) for particular hematological malignancies (i.e. multiple myeloma).

The Company had previously announced the signing of a binding letter of intent (“LOI”) with ProMab to develop CAR-T for various hematological malignancies and solid tumours.  Today the Company announced the signing of the first scientific collaboration to co-develop a cell-based therapy for Multiple Myeloma. The Multiple Myeloma co-development program will aim to complete all necessary work with the objective of filing for a first-in-human study by early 2019.  Under the collaboration agreement, Helix retains commercial rights for this CAR-T in Canada and Europe and is currently in the process of reviewing what expansion criteria may be required at its European operations in Poland to facilitate commercialization.

In the meantime, Helix’s core team continues to prioritize the Company’s DOS47 drug development program, particularly its clinical L-DOS47 program and its pre-clinical V-DOS47 pre-clinical program.

About Helix BioPharma Corp.

Helix BioPharma Corp. is an immuno-oncology company specializing in the field of cancer therapy. The Company is actively developing innovative products for the prevention and treatment of cancer based on its proprietary technologies. Helix’s product development initiatives include its novel L-DOS47 new drug candidate. Helix is currently listed on the TSX and FSE under the symbol “HBP”.

About ProMab Biotechnologies

ProMab Biotechnologies is a biotechnology company that develops and commercializes recombinant proteins, custom monoclonal antibodies, CAR-T products through the integration of bioinformatics, gene cloning, protein expression and purification, and immunology, using novel high-throughput technologies. 

Investor Relations

Helix BioPharma Corp.
9120 Leslie Street, Suite 205
Richmond Hill, Ontario, L4B 3J9
Tel: 905-841-2300
Email: ir@helixbiopharma.com

Cautionary Statements

This news release may contain forward-looking statements and information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws including, without limitation, those relating to Helix’s operations and strategy and its research and development activities. These statements generally can be identified by forward looking words such as “ongoing”, “excited”, “efforts”, “will” or “modify”, and other similar expressions, are intended to provide information about management's current plans and expectations.

Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements concerning (i) the Company’s ability to operate as a going concern being dependent mainly on obtaining additional financing; (ii) the Company’s priority continuing to be L-DOS47; (iii) the Company’s development programs for DOS47, L-DOS47, V-DOS47 and CAR-T; (iv) future expenditures, the insufficiency of the Company’s current cash resources and the need for financing; and (v) future financing requirements and the seeking of additional funding. Forward-looking statements can further be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “ongoing”, “estimates”, “expects”, or the negative thereof or any other variations thereon or comparable terminology referring to future events or results, or that events or conditions “will”, “may”, “could”, or “should” occur or be achieved, or comparable terminology referring to future events or results.

Although Helix believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated and no assurance can be given that these expectations will be realized, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements include, without limitation, risks inherent in Helix’s research and development activities and those risks and uncertainties affecting the Company, as more fully described in Helix’s most recent Annual Information Form, including under the headings “Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors”, filed under Helix’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com (together, the “Helix Risk Factors”). Certain material factors, estimates or assumptions have been applied in making forward-looking statements including, without limitation, the safety and efficacy of the Company’s drug product candidates; that sufficient financing will be obtained in a timely manner to allow the Company to continue operations and implement its clinical trials in the manner and on the timelines anticipated; the timely provision of services and supplies or other performance of contracts by third parties; future costs; the absence of any material changes in business strategy or plans; the timely receipt of required regulatory approvals and strategic partner support and that the factors described in the Helix Risk Factors will not cause the Company’s actual results or events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. These cautionary statements qualify all such forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements and information are based on the beliefs, assumptions, opinions, plans and expectations of Helix’s management on the date of this news release, and the Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statement or information should those beliefs, assumptions, opinions, plans or expectations, or other circumstances change, except as required by law.