Lion Biotechnologies Leases New Research Laboratory
23 July 2014 - 10:00PM
Lion Biotechnologies, Inc. (OTCQB:LBIO), a biotechnology company
that is developing novel cancer immunotherapies based on tumor
infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), today announced that it has
entered into a five-year lease agreement for a new research
laboratory at University of South Florida Research Park in Tampa,
FL.
The new, 5,100 sq. ft. facility will focus on translational
research and process development for TILs, as well as basic
research. Over the next year, the company plans to hire up to ten
employees at the facility to support the development of new TIL
technologies, including genetically modified TILs and
next-generation TIL products for melanoma and other solid
cancers.
According to Manish Singh, PhD, Lion's chairman and chief
executive officer, these enhanced and genetically engineered TILs
are being developed to provide numerous benefits, including greater
potency and persistence, lower cost of goods, more efficient
manufacturing, and stronger intellectual property protection. In
addition, he says, some of these new TIL products will be optimized
for combination with checkpoint inhibitors, which may enable a more
powerful and synergistic immune response.
The scientific activities at the new research facility will be
led by Laszlo Radvanyi, PhD, who recently joined the company as
chief scientific officer. One of the world's foremost experts on
TILs, Dr. Radvanyi served as professor of melanoma and breast
medical oncology at MD Anderson Cancer Center for the last nine
years.
Dr. Singh commented, "This new research facility will allow us
to take critical steps toward developing the next generation of TIL
technologies — a key objective of our CRADA with the National
Cancer Institute, and a key component of Lion's strategy. Under Dr.
Radvanyi's leadership, we are looking forward to working with a
team of distinguished scientists to drive these innovations, as we
continue to advance our ongoing clinical programs in metastatic
melanoma."
About Lion Biotechnologies
Lion Biotechnologies, Inc. is focused the development of T-cells
and engineered T-cells for the treatment of various cancers.
The company's lead product candidate is a ready-to-infuse,
autologous T-cell therapy utilizing tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes
(TILs) for the treatment of patients with Stage 4 metastatic
melanoma. Based on a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement
with the National Cancer Institute, TIL therapy is also being
evaluated in physician-sponsored clinical trials at MD Anderson
Cancer Center and the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer & Research
Institute. For more information, please
visit http://www.lionbio.com.
CONTACT: Investor Relations
The Trout Group
Gitanjali Jain Ogawa
646-378-2949
gogawa@troutgroup.com