iBio Announces Manufacturing Collaboration with Ae

NEW YORK, Oct. 16, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- iBio, Inc. (NYSE AMERICAN:IBIO), a leading provider of plant-based biotechnology for developing and manufacturing biological products, announced the establishment of an agreement with Aethlon Medical, Inc. (Nasdaq: AEMD ) to support potential large-scale production of the Aethlon Hemopurifier® blood purification device. Aethlon Medical is a therapeutic technology company focused on unmet needs in global health and biodefense.

The companies previously confirmed the feasibility of using a proprietary recombinant lectin protein, Galanthus nivalis agglutinin (GNA), produced with iBio’s unique plant-based technology, to increase the performance of Aethlon’s Hemopurifier® blood purification device. Scientists from the two companies worked together to produce and screen a panel of recombinantly produced lectin isoforms to improve binding capacity and to replace reliance on less effective extracted mixtures.

Jim Joyce, Chairman and CEO of Aethlon, stated, “The production of recombinant GNA in iBio’s large-scale manufacturing facility establishes a pathway for us to access a consistent, high quality supply that can support our long-term clinical and commercialization objectives.”

Dr. Barry Holtz, President of iBio CDMO, said, “Aethlon’s clinical success and product development expertise is now backed by our cGMP compliant therapeutic protein production capacity and expanded classified manufacturing space.  This is an ideal combination for Aethlon to deliver a new therapeutic approach to pandemic disease and biothreats.”

Aethlon has recently received an FDA Expedited Access Pathway Designation for its Hemopurifier® device, a single use cartridge that can capture a broad spectrum of highly glycosylated viruses including influenza and hemorrhagic fevers, such as Ebola virus, to reduce viral load in the circulatory system.  Aethlon is also investigating the use of the Hemopurifier® device to reduce the presence of circulating, tumor-derived exosomes, which contribute to immune-suppression and metastasis. 

About Aethlon Medical, Inc.

Aethlon Medical is focused on addressing unmet needs in global health and biodefense. The Aethlon Hemopurifier® is a first-in-class therapeutic device designed to address life-threatening viral infections.  The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has designated the Hemopurifier® to an Expedited Access Pathway (EAP) related to the treatment of life-threatening viruses that are not addressed with approved therapies.

In collaboration with leading government and non-government research institutes, Aethlon has validated the ability of the Hemopurifier® to capture a broad-spectrum of pandemic influenza viruses, mosquito-borne viruses and deadly hemorrhagic viruses.  Based on its use to treat Ebola virus, the Hemopurifier® was named a "Top 25 Invention" and one of the "Eleven Most Remarkable Advances in Healthcare," by TIME Magazine.

Aethlon is also investigating the potential therapeutic use of the Hemopurifier® to reduce the presence of tumor-derived exosomes, which contribute to immune-suppression and the spread of metastasis in cancer patients.  Additionally, Aethlon is the majority owner of Exosome Sciences, Inc. (ESI), which is focused on the discovery of exosomal biomarkers to diagnose and monitor cancer and neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).  Additional information can be found online at www.AethlonMedical.com and www.ExosomeSciences.com.  You can also connect with Aethlon on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Google+.

About iBio, Inc.

iBio, a leader in developing plant-based biopharmaceuticals, provides a range of product and process development, analytical, and manufacturing services at the large-scale development and manufacturing facility of its subsidiary iBio CDMO, LLC. in Bryan, Texas.  The facility houses laboratory and pilot-scale operations, as well as large-scale automated hydroponic systems capable of growing over four million plants as "in process inventory" and delivering over 300 kilograms of therapeutic protein pharmaceutical active ingredient per year.

iBio applies its technology for the benefit of its clients and the advancement of its own product interests. The Company’s pipeline is comprised of proprietary candidates for the treatment of a range of fibrotic diseases including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, systemic sclerosis, and scleroderma. IBIO-CFB03, based on the Company's proprietary gene expression technology, is the Company’s lead therapeutic candidate being advanced for IND development.

Further information is available at:  www.ibioinc.com

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

STATEMENTS INCLUDED IN THIS NEWS RELEASE RELATED TO IBIO, INC. MAY CONSTITUTE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS WITHIN THE MEANING OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995. SUCH STATEMENTS INVOLVE A NUMBER OF RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES SUCH AS COMPETITIVE FACTORS, TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT, MARKET DEMAND, AND THE COMPANY'S ABILITY TO OBTAIN NEW CONTRACTS AND ACCURATELY ESTIMATE NET REVENUES DUE TO VARIABILITY IN SIZE, SCOPE, AND DURATION OF PROJECTS. FURTHER INFORMATION ON POTENTIAL RISK FACTORS THAT COULD AFFECT THE COMPANY'S FINANCIAL RESULTS CAN BE FOUND IN THE COMPANY'S REPORTS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION.

ICR, Inc. (Investor and Media Inquiries): 

Stephanie Carrington Tel. +1 646-277-1282 stephanie.carrington@icrinc.com

James Heins Tel. +1 203-682-8251 James.Heins@icrinc.com