Expression Genetics, Inc. Announces Successful Completion of Phase I Trial of Gene-Based IL-12 for Treatment of Ovarian Cancer

HUNTSVILLE, Ala., April 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Expression Genetics, Inc., announced today the completion of a Phase I clinical study evaluating the Company's lead drug candidate, EGEN-001. The study, conducted at The University of Alabama at Birmingham and Baylor College of Medicine, evaluated the safety, tolerance, preliminary efficacy, and biological activity of the EGEN-001 in 13 patients with advanced recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer. The product, utilizing the Company's proprietary TheraPlas® delivery technology, is composed of interleukin-12 (IL-12) gene expression plasmid formulated with a biocompatible delivery polymer and is designed to increase local concentration of IL-12 protein. IL-12 is a potent anti-cancer cytokine which works by enhancing the body's immune system against cancer and inhibiting tumor blood supply. EGEN-001 for treatment of ovarian cancer has been granted Orphan Drug Status by the FDA.