SAN DIEGO, June 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- OncoSec Medical Incorporated (OTCBB: ONCS), which is developing its advanced-stage ElectroOncology therapies to treat solid tumor cancers, announced today that one of its clinical trial advisers will present results from an ElectroImmunotherapy clinical trial for melanoma at the 2011 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting to be held June 4-8 at McCormick Place, Chicago, IL.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110314/MM64943LOGO)
Dr. Adil Daud, a clinical trials adviser for Oncosec Medical, and Clinical Professor, Hematology/Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, will discuss trial results from a long-term, follow-up study of melanoma patients treated with DNA IL-12 delivered via electroporation. Dr. Daud will lead the following poster session:
Session: Developmental Therapeutics - Clinical Pharmacology and Immunotherapy
Discussion: “Systemic immune responses induced by intratumoral plasmid IL-12
electroporation in patients with melanoma”
Monday, June 6, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: McCormick Place Hall A
About 2011 ASCO Annual Meeting
More than 30,000 cancer specialists from around the world will gather at the 2011 ASCO Annual Meeting to discuss the latest innovations in research, quality, practice and technology in cancer. This meeting will be the platform for the release of important scientific abstracts -- highly anticipated research news for many people, including patients, caregivers, and the general public. ASCO is a professional oncology society committed to conquering cancer through research, education, prevention and delivery of high quality patient care.
About OncoSec’s ElectroImmunotherapy and Electroporation Delivery
OncoSec’s ElectroImmunotherapy consists of a DNA-based cytokine delivered using electroporation. Consisting of a DNA plasmid (manufactured circles of DNA) coded to produce a specific cytokine such as IL-12, this DNA immunotherapeutic is injected into locally targeted tumors and surrounding tissue and followed by electroporation. This results in significant uptake of the agent by cells in this area of tissue. The DNA plasmid instructs these cells to “express” the protein it was designed to produce, such as IL-12. After the immune system detects the immunotherapeutic agent, it produces significant amounts of immune agents such as macrophages and killer T-cells that are able to kill cancerous cells.
Cytokine immunotherapeutics such as IL-12 have been directly injected in the form of proteins and have been shown to induce innate immune system responses capable of killing cancerous cells. Unfortunately they can also cause toxic side effects as the immune system perceives the proteins to be foreign. When DNA IL-12 is injected, the IL-12 produced by the body does not induce this unwanted immune response but has been shown to induce an immune response against cancer cells.
In these Phase II trials OncoSec will employ its in vivo electroporation device, or OncoSec Medical System (OMS), to enhance the potency of the DNA IL-12. The OMS consists of a pulse generator and handheld applicator with a sterile disposable array. The system delivers nano-second electrical pulses that increase cell membrane permeability, resulting in significant cellular uptake of the DNA plasmid and subsequent gene expression (i.e. production of the coded antigen). OMS can increase gene expression by 1000-fold and immune responses by 100 times or more compared to an un-enhanced delivery of a DNA plasmid.
About OncoSec Medical Inc.
Oncosec Medical (OTCBB: ONCS) develops novel ElectroOncology therapies that combine its proprietary electroporation delivery technology with a chemotherapeutic or novel DNA-based immunotherapeutics. Targeted local delivery of these agents is designed to achieve selective destruction of cancerous tumors while sparing healthy normal tissue, resulting in improved functional, cosmetic and quality of life outcomes. These therapies have achieved validating safety and efficacy data in early and late stage clinical studies of over 400 cancer patients. OncoSec’s clinical programs include three Phase II clinical trials. More information is available at www.oncosec.com.
This press release contains forward looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements in this release that are not historical facts may be considered such “forward looking statements.” Forward looking statements are based on management’s current preliminary expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties which may cause our results to differ materially and adversely from the statements contained herein. Some of the potential risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those predicted include our ability to raise additional funding, our ability to acquire, develop or commercialize new products, uncertainties inherent in pre-clinical studies and clinical trials, unexpected new data, safety and technical issues, competition and market conditions. These and additional risks and uncertainties are more fully described in OncoSec’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Undue reliance should not be placed on forward looking statements which speak only as of the date they are made. OncoSec disclaims any obligation to update any forward looking statements to reflect new information, events or circumstances after the date they are made, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
SOURCE OncoSec Medical Incorporated
