TIDMVAL
RNS Number : 3747L
ValiRx PLC
19 April 2018
ValiRx Plc
("ValiRx" or the "Company")
GENEICE & VAL101 UPDATE
"Positive results from VAL101
shown to be effective in inducing apoptosis (programmed cell
death)
in cancer cell models"
London, UK., 19 April 2018: ValiRx Plc (AIM: VAL), the clinical
stage biotechnology company, is pleased to announce positive VAL101
results, that are shown to be effective in inducing apoptosis
(programmed cell death) in cancer cell models. The results show
superior apoptotic effect in comparison to currently available
reagents.
The studies involved a wide range of technical and scientific
methodologies demonstrating the enhanced effect of the compound on
the prevention of cancer growth at cellular biochemical and genomic
levels.
This excellent outcome follows on from ValiRx's earlier
September 2017 update, which highlighted the successful
optimisation of the VAL101 molecule. This will be the compound that
will be taken forward for preparation and use in clinical
trials.
Valirx is progressing this programme towards the clinic in a
full partnership with our commercial and academic collaborators in
Finland, Germany and Denmark. The Company is adding commercial
partners in the US and China in order to support manufacturing and
clinical development.
The VAL101 compound has been designed against a gene expressing
Bcl-2 protein, which has been implicated and associated with
various cancers.
Dr Satu Vainikka, Chief Executive Officer of ValiRx, commented:
"I am extremely pleased about these developmental results that the
collaboration has produced. Our previous two Eurostars Awards have
clearly demonstrated and endorsed the importance of the project,
which is targeting a very important and increasingly prominent area
of the therapeutic industry, namely targeted and personalised
therapies. I am also delighted by the technical excellence and high
quality of the work conducted by the Consortium, which is extremely
innovative. I look forward to the future development of this
exciting field and to the development of VAL101 and further related
GeneICE compounds. I also expect the results of these studies to be
written up and submitted for publication in a relevant peer
reviewed journal".
The VAL101 compound is derived from the Company's proprietary
GeneICE platform ("Gene inactivation by Chromatin Engineering"),
which is a technology platform, first developed by Imperial
College, London, where the initial science was conducted, in which
"rebellious genes", which cause problems such as cancer and
potentially some neurological problems, are shut down or "put on
ice". The technology acts upstream of the gene expression,
potentially enabling a better inhibition compared to existing
therapeutics acting at the protein or post-transcriptional
levels.
ValiRx has been leading pre-clinical work alongside its
consortium partners, Deutsche Krebsforschungzentrum ("DKFZ"), the
Institute of Oncology in Heidelberg and Pharmatest Services
Limited, a specialist CRO in Finland, to progress the pre-clinical
studies of VAL101. Data was collected from Gene expression as well
protein expression analysis and was evaluated by Gene Set
Enrichment Analysis (GSEA).
This announcement contains inside information for the purposes
of Article 7 of EU Regulation 596/2014.
*** ENDS ***
For more information, please contact:
ValiRx plc Tel: +44 (0) 20
3008 4416
www.valirx.com
Dr Satu Vainikka, Chief Executive Tel: +44 (0) 20
3008 4416
Tarquin Edwards, Head of Communications. Tel: +44 (0) 7879
458 364
tarquin.edwards@valirx.com
Cairn Financial Advisers LLP Tel: +44 (0) 20
(Nominated Adviser) 7213 0880
Liam Murray/Ludo Lazzaretti
Novum Securities Limited (Broker) Tel: +44 (0) 20
Colin Rowbury 7399 9400
Notes for Editors
GeneICE Platform
GeneICE (Gene Inactivation by Chromatin Engineering) is a novel
proprietary gene silencing platform for the efficient silencing of
targeted genes. This technology is based on natural mechanisms and
has the potential to halt and reverse tumour growth. ValiRx has
attracted two Eurostars grants, a European grant scheme of EUR1.6m
each, for further development of its GeneICE technology
platform.
GeneICE mimics a natural process in cells to silence genes. The
technology acts upstream of the gene expression, potentially
enabling a better inhibition compared to existing therapeutics
acting at the protein or post-transcriptional levels.
About ValiRx
ValiRx is a biotechnology oncology focused company specialising
in developing novel treatments for cancer and associated
biomarkers. It aims to make a significant contribution in
"precision" medicine and science, namely to engineer a breakthrough
into human health and well-being, through the early detection of
cancer and its therapeutic intervention.
The Company's business model focuses on out-licensing
therapeutic candidates early in the development process. By aiming
for early-stage value creation, the company reduces risk
considerably while increasing the potential for realising value.
The group is already in licensing discussions with major players in
the oncology field.
ValiRx's two classes of drugs in development, which each have
the potential for meeting hitherto unmet medical needs by existing
methods, have worldwide patent filings and agreed commercial
rights. They originate or derive from Word class institutions, such
as Cancer Research UK and Imperial College.
Until recently, cancer treatments relied on non-specific agents,
such as chemotherapy. With the development of target-based agents,
primed to attack cancer cells only, less toxic and more effective
treatments are now possible. New drugs in this group-such as those
in ValiRx's pipeline-promise to greatly improve outcomes for cancer
patients.
The Company listed on the AIM Market of the London Stock
Exchange in October 2006 and trades under the ticker symbol:
VAL.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
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