Dendritic Cell Vaccine Inhibits Tumor Progression in Preclinical Liver Cancer Model

NEW YORK, Feb. 25, 2016 -- Saronic Biotechnology, Inc. today announces publication of preclinical data of autologous dendritic cell (DC) vaccine treatment in a murine model for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) indicating inhibited tumor progression.  Saronic Biotechnology’s lead immunotherapy SBI1997, the clinical counterpart of this DC vaccine treatment, is based on the same internationally patented method of manufacture and is projected for testing in humans in 2016.

The preclinical DC vaccine results, accepted for publication in the Annals of Surgical Oncology, describe treatment outcomes in an orthotopic murine model of HCC treated by administration of DC vaccine loaded with tumor cell lysate. Results demonstrated significantly increased survival: 90% survival rate for DC vaccine-treated mice versus 5% survival rate for untreated mice at day 60. Noninvasive bioluminescence imaging was utilized to evaluate the effect of DC vaccine on tumor growth, and indicated visible tumor regression in DC vaccine-treated mice. DC vaccine treatment also decreased levels of immunosuppressive Foxp3+ regulatory T cells in the tumor microenvironment. Foxp3 has been correlated with poor overall survival among patients with resectable hepatocellular carcinoma¹.

These positive preclinical data have led to clinical testing of SBI1997 among HCC patients. Saronic Biotechnology expects to launch a randomized phase I/II clinical trial of SBI1997 in 2016.

For more information, visit PubMed.gov: “Autologous Tumor Cell Lysate-Loaded Dendritic Cell Vaccine Inhibited Tumor Progression in an Orthotopic Murine Model for Hepatocellular Carcinoma” Annals of Surgical Oncology, January 2016 – Epub ahead of print. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26786094

¹ Wang Q, Luan W, Warren L, Fiel MI, Blank S, et al. Prognostic role of immune cells in hepatitis B-associated hepatocellular carcinoma following surgical resection depends on their localization and tumor size. J Immunother. 2016; 39(1): 36-44.

About Saronic Biotechnology, Inc.:
Saronic Biotechnology, Inc. is a preclinical and clinical-stage drug development company established to bring novel immunotherapeutics to clinical use for patients with liver cancer. Founded in New York City by a dedicated team of physicians and scientists with broad expertise in oncology and immunology, Saronic Biotechnology developed its lead product SBI1997, an immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In addition to its innovative clinical program, Saronic Biotechnology has also created a streamlined research pipeline to develop additional therapeutics for launch into phase I clinical trials.

About SBI1997 Therapy:
SBI1997 is an autologous dendritic cell immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma developed by Saronic Biotechnology’s dedicated team of cancer scientists and immunologists. A personalized therapeutic, SBI1997 primes each patient’s immune system to recognize tumor-specific antigens and destroy malignant cells that may emerge after surgery, thereby inhibiting cancer recurrence. In a preclinical model of hepatocellular carcinoma, SBI1997 demonstrated dramatic efficacy in stimulating tumor regression and extending overall survival.

Forward-looking Statements:
With the exception of cited historical data, this press release includes predictive statements, which represent Saronic Biotechnology’s current expectations of future events. Statements describing objectives and expectations involve risks and uncertainties, which may cause results to differ from statements included herein. Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to: Company’s ability to raise funds necessary to initiate and maintain operations and regulatory approvals by federal and institutional entities.

Contact: 
Leslie Warren
[email protected]