TEL AVIV, Israel, April 04, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VBL Therapeutics (NASDAQ: VBLT ), announced today the presentation of new data on MOSPD2, a novel potential target in oncology. VBL's study, entitled "MOSPD2, a Newly Characterized Protein, Promotes Breast Cancer Metastasis" by Mendel et al., will be presented today at the American Association of Cancer research (AACR) conference in Washington, DC. The study observed from clinical biopsies that MOSPD2 is prevalent in invasive human breast cancer tissue and that levels of MOSPD2 correlate to breast cancer invasiveness. It was further observed that a knockdown of MOSPD2 in a human breast cancer cell line using CRISPR technology led to blockade of EGF signaling and significant reduction of breast cancer cell migration in vitro and metastasis in a mouse model.
"The current publication indicates involvement of MOSPD2 in motility and metastasis of cancer cells in a breast cancer model, with correlative clinical specimens expression pattern that is associated with breast tumor invasiveness," said Eyal Breitbart, PhD, VP for Research and Operations at VBL. "We believe that MOSPD2 may be involved in the regulation of cell motility in addition to breast cancer, as it is found in other tumor tissues as well. We recently reported its role in monocyte migration and are studying its expression and potential involvement in additional tumor types," added Dr. Breitbart.
The company believes that targeting of MOSPD2 may have several therapeutic applications, including inhibition of tumor cell metastases and targeting of MOSPD2-positive tumor cells, as well as inhibition of monocyte migration in chronic inflammatory conditions. VBL's "VB-600 series" of pipeline candidates is being developed towards these applications.
About VBL Vascular Biogenics Ltd., operating as VBL Therapeutics, is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of first-in-class treatments for cancer. The Company’s lead oncology product candidate, ofranergene obadenovec (VB-111), is a unique biologic agent that uses a dual mechanism to target solid tumors. It utilizes an angiogenesis-specific sensor (VBL's PPE-1-3x proprietary promoter) to specifically target the tumor vasculature, by induction of cell death in angiogenic endothelial cells in the tumor milieu. Moreover, it is an immune-stimulant that triggers a local anti-tumor immune response, which is accompanied by recruitment of CD8 T-cells and apoptosis of tumor cells. Ofranergene obadenovec is conveniently administered as an IV infusion once every two months. It has been observed to be well-tolerated in >200 cancer patients and we have observed its efficacy signals in an “all comers” Phase 1 trial as well as in three tumor-specific Phase 2 studies. Ofranergene obadenovec is currently being studied in a Phase 3 pivotal trial for recurrent Glioblastoma, conducted under an FDA Special Protocol Assessment (SPA).
Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, which are often indicated by terms such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “goal,” “intend,” “look forward to”, “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the clinical development of ofranergene obadenovec (VB-111) and its therapeutic potential and clinical results, as well as the potential relevance of MOSPD2 in immune cells and in motility and metastasis of tumor cells and the clinical development and therapeutic potential of the VB-600 series of pipeline candidates. These forward-looking statements are not promises or guarantees and involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described or projected herein include uncertainties associated generally with scientific research and development, clinical trials and related regulatory reviews and approvals, and the risk that historical clinical trial results may not be predictive of future trial results. A further list and description of these risks, uncertainties and other risks can be found in the Company’s regulatory filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including in our annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2016. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. VBL Therapeutics undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information contained in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise.
INVESTOR CONTACT: Michael Rice LifeSci Advisors, LLC (646) 597-6979
