AntiCancer announces world's first gene therapy clinical trial of lung cancer.SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 11, 1994--AntiCancer Friday announced major progress in the development of the world's first gene therapy clinical trial of lung cancer lung cancer, cancer that originates in the tissues of the lungs. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States in both men and women. Like other cancers, lung cancer occurs after repeated insults to the genetic material of the cell. . The Phase I trial is being presented at the Third International Conference of Gene Therapy for Cancer currently being held in San Diego San Diego (săn dēā`gō), city (1990 pop. 1,110,549), seat of San Diego co., S Calif., on San Diego Bay; inc. 1850. San Diego includes the unincorporated communities of La Jolla and Spring Valley. Coronado is across the bay. . The Phase I study indicated very encouraging results in late-stage-lung-cancer patients who were given a gene to stimulate their immune systems immune system Cells, cell products, organs, and structures of the body involved in the detection and destruction of foreign invaders, such as bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells. Immunity is based on the system's ability to launch a defense against such invaders. against their tumors. These studies were carried out by AntiCancer's partner at a major University Medical Center in China, Harbin Medical University. Earlier this year, AntiCancer anticancer, n a medicine or substance used to treat cancer. announced it had formed a joint venture with Harbin Medical University. This joint venture gives AntiCancer exclusive rights to all gene therapy technology and all other cancer treatment technology developed at Harbin. Dr. Andrew Perry, president, diagnostics group of AntiCancer, said: "We are obviously very excited about the results of this trial. In the study we observed excellent results in that the treatment appeared both effective and safe." AntiCancer indicated that it would continue these studies in combination with its proprietary liposome liposome (lī`pəsōm', lĭp`ə–), microscopic, fluid-filled pouch whose walls are made of layers of phospholipids identical to the phospholipids that make up cell membranes. technology as a vector for the gene therapy. "The use of our liposomes Liposomes Aqueous compartments enclosed by lipid bilayer membranes; liposomes are also known as lipid vesicles. Phospholipid molecules consist of an elongated nonpolar (hydrophobic) structure with a polar (hydrophilic) structure at one end. as a vector gets around one of the major problems with gene therapy vectors such as retroviruses which may have safety problems," said Perry. "Our liposome technology, together with the results of this current trial, may finally allow gene therapy to become a reality in the treatment of cancer patients." AntiCancer Inc. is a privately held biotechnology company located in San Diego. The company was founded in 1984 specifically to work in the field of cancer treatment and is developing a range of cancer therapeutics and diagnostics. CONTACT: AntiCancer Inc., San Diego Dr. Andrew Perry, 619/654-2555 |
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