OncoSec Medical Collaborates with PerkinElmer & University of California, Los Angeles to Evaluate Patient-Selection Biomarker...
02 December 2014 - 10:02PM
Business Wire
OncoSec Medical Inc. (OTCQB: ONCS), a company developing
DNA-based intratumoral cancer immunotherapies, announced a
collaboration with PerkinElmer, Inc. and the University of
California, Los Angeles (UCLA) to help researchers develop
biomarker tests to evaluate a patient’s immune response to cancer.
This research supports the ongoing shift in oncology toward
therapeutic strategies that stimulate the patient’s own immune
defense system to combat cancer. The approach uses PerkinElmer’s
new imaging-based staining methods to quantitatively evaluate CD8+
T cell density in tumor biopsies.
Drs. Paul Tumeh, MD and Antoni Ribas, MD at UCLA, and colleagues
recently published results from this assay in Nature (vol.515: pp.
568-571), demonstrating a strong correlation between the density of
CD8+ T cells, located at the invasive edge of melanoma lesions, and
the probability of response to Merck’s pembrolizumab (Keytruda®).
Using quantitative image analysis, Tumeh et al. demonstrated that
the number of CD8+ T cells/mm2 at the tumor margin was the feature
most predictive of response and non-response to pembrolizumab. To
view or purchase the article, please click here. To view a copy of
OncoSec’s press release regarding this publication, please click
here.
Dr. Robert H. Pierce, Chief Scientific Officer at OncoSec
Medical and a co-author of the Nature study, stated: “Dr. Tumeh has
demonstrated the potential of applying his highly quantitative
approach to assessing the ‘stalled’ CD8+ lymphocytes, which are the
key effector cells driving response to anti-PD-1 therapy. This work
has the potential to identify responders from non-responders. Dr.
Tumeh’s work, combined with PerkinElmer’s technology, may lead to
the development of a critical diagnostic tool for identifying and
classifying non-responders to anti-PD-1 monotherapy. These
non-responders may benefit from a combination approach of
ImmunoPulse with checkpoint inhibitors, like anti-PD-1, where
ImmunoPulse has the potential to convert non-responders to
responders.”
PerkinElmer has developed a new multi-parametric IHC analysis
platform consisting of its Vectra® automated quantitative pathology
imaging system and its Opal™ multiplex tissue staining assays,
which together can help scientists perform biomarker research to
develop a potentially predictive assay to identify the
non-responder population. OncoSec believes there is a significant
unmet medical need to develop combination therapies for patients
who do not respond to checkpoint inhibitors, such as anti-PD-1 (or
anti-PD-L1) as a monotherapy.
“The analytical needs of both UCLA and OncoSec are well aligned
with our unique technical capabilities,” said Brian Kim, President,
Life Sciences & Technology, PerkinElmer. “This project
complements our focus on enabling research to reveal the
intricacies of immuno-oncologic interactions. Through this work
with UCLA and OncoSec, we think we can make a meaningful
contribution toward assisting researchers in improving outcomes for
patients.”
About OncoSec Medical
OncoSec Medical Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company developing
its investigational ImmunoPulse intratumoral cancer immunotherapy.
OncoSec Medical's core technology is designed to
enhance the local delivery and uptake of DNA IL-12 and
other DNA-based immune-targeting agents. Clinical studies of
ImmunoPulse have demonstrated an acceptable safety profile and
preliminary evidence of anti-tumor activity in the treatment of
various skin cancers, as well as the potential to initiate a
systemic immune response without the systemic toxicities associated
with other treatments. OncoSec's lead program evaluating
ImmunoPulse for the treatment of metastatic melanoma is currently
in Phase 2 development, and is being conducted in collaboration
with several prominent academic medical centers. As the company
continues to evaluate ImmunoPulse in its current indications, it is
also focused on identifying and developing new immune-targeting
agents, investigating additional tumor indications, and evaluating
combination-based immunotherapy approaches. For more information,
please visit www.oncosec.com.
About PerkinElmer
PerkinElmer, Inc. is a global leader focused on improving the
health and safety of people and the environment. PerkinElmer
reported revenue of approximately $2.2 billion in 2013, has about
7,600 employees serving customers in more than 150 countries, and
is a component of the S&P 500 Index. Additional information is
available through 1-877-PKI-NYSE, or at www.perkinelmer.com.
This press release contains forward-looking statements within
the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995. Any statements in this release that are not historical facts
may be considered such “forward-looking statements.”
Forward-looking statements are based on management’s current
preliminary expectations and are subject to risks and
uncertainties, which may cause our results to differ materially and
adversely from the statements contained herein. Some of the
potential risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results
to differ from those predicted include our ability to raise
additional funding, our ability to acquire, develop or
commercialize new products, uncertainties inherent in pre-clinical
studies and clinical trials, unexpected new data, safety and
technical issues, competition, and market conditions. These and
additional risks and uncertainties are more fully described in
OncoSec Medical’s filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission. Undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking
statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. OncoSec
Medical disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking
statements to reflect new information, events or circumstances
after the date they are made, or to reflect the occurrence of
unanticipated events.
Investor Relations:OncoSec Medical Inc.Jordyn Kopin,
855-662-6732investors@oncosec.comorPublic Relations:Dian Griesel
Int’l.Laura Radocaj, 212-825-3210lradocaj@dgicomm.com
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