VIENNA, June 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --
Vienna based biotech company APEIRON Biologics AG (Apeiron)
strengthens its oncology pipeline: The company will support the
clinical development of an immune therapy against high-risk
neuroblastoma that is being conducted by the
Children's Cancer Research Institute (CCRI) and the
European Neuroblastoma Research Network (SIOPEN). It is presently
under investigation in a phase III trial across various European
clinical centers. In return, Apeiron obtains the rights to file for
regulatory approval and to market the final product. The approach
is based on a monoclonal antibody (ch14.18) and constitutes
Apeiron's most advanced project. It also marks
another milestone for the company and its development strategy to
treat neuroblastoma. This strategy was initiated earlier this year
with the licensing of a clinical phase II project from Merck
KGaA.
Today, Vienna based Apeiron announced the conclusion of an
agreement with the Children's Cancer Research Institute (CCRI) and
the European Neuroblastoma Research Network (SIOPEN). Thereby,
Apeiron obtains the rights to further develop, file for regulatory
approval and market the antibody ch14.18. This monoclonal antibody
exhibits therapeutic effect against high-risk neuroblastoma, an
aggressive form of infant cancer. The antibody specifically targets
the antigen GD2, a feature on the surface of neuroblastoma cells
and thereby initiates an immune reaction against these cells.
As part of the agreement, Apeiron will provide substantial
support for an ongoing European clinical phase III trial with
ch14.18. Due to the limited number of clinical centers specializing
in the treatment of high-risk neuroblastoma, Apeiron is considering
marketing the therapy on its own.
The Austrian company Polymun Scientific, a long-time business
partner of Apeiron, has already been producing clinical supplies
for the CCRI/SIOPEN sponsored clinical studies. Apeiron has now
commissioned Polymun to continue production and to prepare for
manufacture of material at market standard.
Dr. Hans Loibner, CEO of Apeiron: This novel form of
collaboration with CCRI and SIOPEN is a milestone for Apeiron.
These non-profit organizations have accomplished remarkable
clinical development achievements which we can now complement with
our industrial know-how. With this collaboration, we add a project
to our portfolio that is both innovative and close to the
market."
Professor Ruth Ladenstein, head of the coordination center for
clinical studies at CCRI, senior physician at St. Anna Kinderspital
and European president of SIOP: We are convinced to have found an
ideal partner in Apeiron. Together, we will take the final steps of
development for an urgently needed therapy against high-risk
neuroblastoma. By applying immune therapy and other treatment
improvements, we hope to increase the chances of survival for
children with high-risk neuroblastoma by 30%, thereby rendering
future survival rates of 60-70% realistic."
Financial details were not disclosed.
Jacqueline Bogdanovic
+43-1-505-70-44
bogdanovic@prd.at
[contact@prd.at ]
http://http://www.prd.at
SOURCE APEIRON Biologics AG