AUSTIN, Texas, March 02, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- XBiotech (NASDAQ:XBIT), developer of True Human™ therapeutic antibodies, announced today that its Medical Director Michael Stecher, M.D., will be included in a delegation assembled by EuropaColon to present the latest colorectal cancer research and advocacy-related perspective in a meeting at the European Parliament hosted by MEP Dr Alfred Sant.
EuropaColon is a patient advocacy group that aims to unite patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, politicians, the media and the public in the fight against colorectal cancer. The meeting at the European Parliament will launch European Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, an annual initiative held in March now in its ninth prestigious year.
#ECCAM16 aims to raise awareness of colorectal cancer across Europe about the critical importance of screening and to reduce deaths through early diagnosis with increased knowledge and better understanding of how the disease can be prevented and treated.
Dr. Stecher’s presentation will cover the results of the recently completed Phase III European study for Xilonix™, a True Human™ monoclonal (IgG1k) antibody, in the treatment of advanced, symptomatic colorectal cancer. In addition, Dr. Stecher will highlight the novel design of the study endpoints which were developed in conjunction with the European Medicines Agency.
Jola Gore-Booth, Founder and CEO of EuropaColon, commented, “Colorectal cancer is treatable and potentially curable when diagnosed early, making formal population screening programs key in the fight against this disease. It also is critical that patients have access to the latest treatment options, particularly for those with advanced disease who are suffering from symptoms that preclude treatment with currently approved therapies. I am delighted to be able to feature information on an innovative phase III study design at this meeting.”
Dr. Stecher added, “It is important to participate in multidisciplinary efforts to improve colorectal cancer care at all stages, from screening to late-line therapy. As we prepare to submit our Marketing Authorization Application to the European Medicines Agency for Xilonix™ in the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer, we’re excited to participate in this meeting.”
Every year approximately 470,000 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer in Europe and half this number will not survive.1 Colorectal cancer is currently the second leading cause of cancer death in Europe2, and the incidence of colorectal cancer is expected to rise 12 percent by 20203. However, a number of European countries still do not have formal population screening programs for colorectal cancer.
About European Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
Launched in 2008 at the European Parliament in Brussels by EuropaColon, European Colorectal Awareness Month (ECCAM) is an annual awareness-raising initiative held in March; coordinated at European level by the organization and by its Member Groups at national level.
Predominantly organized by EuropaColon’s Member Groups, many events have taken place throughout Europe over the years. The political momentum generated by ECCAM also serves as an important advocacy tool and it has notably contributed to the advancement of National Cancer Plans and policies in a number of European countries.
#ECCAM16 aims to raise the profile and awareness of Colorectal Cancer (also known as Bowel Cancer) across Europe and the critical importance of screening; to reduce deaths through increased knowledge of the risks and better understanding of how the disease can be prevented.
About XBiotech
XBiotech is pioneering the discovery and development of targeted antibodies based on its True Human™ technology. The company’s mission is to rethink the way antibody medicines are discovered and commercialized by advancing its robust pipeline of human antibodies for treating serious diseases such as cancer, inflammatory conditions and infectious diseases. XBiotech’s lead product, Xilonix™, is a potential breakthrough antibody therapy that is currently the subject of two pivotal clinical studies for treating patients with advanced colorectal cancer. Xilonix specifically targets and neutralizes interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1a), a molecule known to promote angiogenesis, growth and spread of tumors, as well as mediate symptoms such as metabolic dysregulation, fatigue and anxiety associated with advanced cancer. XBiotech’s True Human antibodies are cloned directly from individual donors who possess natural immunity against certain diseases. For more information, visit www.xbiotech.com.
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References:
1.EuropaColon. http://www.europacolon.com/crcstatistics.php?Action=Crcstatistics. Accessed February 26, 2016.
2. European Commission, Major and Chronic Diseases – Cancer. http://ec.europa.eu/health/major_chronic_diseases/diseases/cancer/index_en.htm. Accessed February 26, 2016.
3. United European Gastroenterology (UEG). https://www.ueg.eu/press/releases/ueg-press-release/article/europe-is-falling-behind-america-in-the-fight-against-colorectal-cancer-due-to-low-screening-uptake/. Accessed February 26, 2016.
Contact: Ashley Otero XBiotech aotero@xbiotech.com 512.386.2930 Media liaison Jonathan Kearney +44 20 8618 2755; Mobile: +44 7725 925 841
