TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Dec. 1, 2015) - Arch Biopartners Inc., (Arch or the Company) (TSX VENTURE:ACH)(OTCBB:FOIFF), today announced it has successfully completed quality control and pre-clinical validation of a synthesis of MetaMx™ which was produced by a third party chemistry manufacturer in the U.S.
The Arch team successfully confirmed the ability of this prototype of MetaMx to cross the blood brain barrier and target human brain tumor initiating cells (BTICs) and invasive glioma cells which were transplanted into immunocompromised mice. The Arch team also observed that the manufacturer's version of MetaMx did not cause any adverse side effects in initial toxicology testing.
"Validating this third party synthesis of MetaMx was a critical step toward its first human trial," said Richard Muruve, CEO of Arch Biopartners. "Arch can now proceed to engage a manufacturer to supply MetaMx to complete a three month toxicology program. The toxicology results and related pharmacology data will be key components of an Investigational New Drug application to perform a single dose, BTIC imaging trial involving patients with recurrent malignant glioma."
MetaMx is composed of novel, synthetic peptides that target and attach to BTICs and invasive glioma cells, for the purpose of imaging, diagnosis and developing targeted therapies to improve patient outcomes and survival rates among glioblastoma patients.
About MetaMx ™ and Malignant Glioma
Worldwide, there are approximately 70,000 new patients with malignant glioma each year and clinical outcomes for these patients have not changed substantially over the past 30 years. Average survival rates, for adults with more aggressive glioblastoma multiforme, remain at a dismal 12-15 months and long-term survivors (i.e. those surviving more than 3 years) are rare.
This poor survival rate is linked to BTICs and invasive glioma cells which represent disease reservoirs that are not detectable using current diagnostic techniques as they are indiscernible from normal tissue. As a result, these cells are usually left behind in brain tissue post surgery and often lead to tumor relapse and poor patient outcomes.
Therefore, a significant unmet medical need and commercial opportunity lies in the ability to target BTICs and invasive glioma cells for the purpose of imaging, diagnosing and developing targeted therapies to improve patient outcomes and survival rates.
Arch continues to prepare for a human trial to characterize the safety and pharmacokinetics of MetaMx and to demonstrate the efficacy of MetaMx to cross the human blood brain barrier and detect BTICs and invasive glioma cells. Such results in human patients will increase the value of MetaMx not only as a diagnostic and imaging tool but also as a potential drug delivery platform to destroy BTICs and invasive glioma cells.
About Arch Biopartners
Arch Biopartners Inc. is focused on the development of innovative technologies that have the potential to make a significant medical or commercial impact. Arch works closely with the scientific community, universities and research institutions to advance and build the value of select preclinical technologies, develop the most promising intellectual property, and create value for its investors.
Arch has established a diverse portfolio that includes MetaMx, which targets illusive brain tumor initiating cells; AB569, a potential new treatment for Pseudomonas aeruginosa pulmonary infections; and, Metablok, a potential treatment for sepsis and cancer metastasis. MetaMx and AB569 are both on track to enter human clinical trials in late 2016.
For more information on the Arch Biopartners Inc., please consult the other public documents filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com .
The Company has 53,189,679 common shares outstanding.
Forward-Looking Statements
All statements, other than statements of historical fact, in this news release are forward looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, statements regarding the future plans and objectives of the Company. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. These and all subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements are based on the estimates and opinions of management on the dates they are made and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this notice. The Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements should circumstances or management's estimates or opinions change.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
