Also, Generex might benefit from hiring a PR firm
Post# of 36537
November 18, 2019
CytoDyn Engages LifeSci Public Relations as
Communications Partner
LifeSci to develop and execute comprehensive corporate communications and public
relations programs
VANCOUVER, Wash., Nov. 18, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CytoDyn Inc. (OTC.QB: CYDY), (“CytoDyn” or the
“Company", a late-stage biotechnology company developing leronlimab (PRO 140), a CCR5 antagonist with the
potential for multiple therapeutic indications, announced that it has engaged LifeSci Public Relations (“LifeSci”) to
increase awareness of the Company’s brand, science and clinical programs.
“This is the perfect time to collaborate with LifeSci to help inform the public and the investment community about the
power of leronlimab as we prepare to file our first Biologics License Application (BLA),” said Dr. Nader Pourhassan,
president and chief executive officer of CytoDyn. “LifeSci’s expertise in corporate communications and public
relations, supported by their extensive experience in capital markets and scientific research, make them an ideal
partner for our company at this important juncture in our evolution.”
LifeSci is a leading provider of strategic consulting services in the areas of investor relations, public relations,
corporate communications, executive search and capital markets advisory. LifeSci Public Relations will provide
CytoDyn with integrated communications services through strategic messaging, media outreach, and social and
digital media efforts.
About Leronlimab (PRO 140)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) has granted a "Fast Track" designation to CytoDyn for two potential
indications of leronlimab for deadly diseases. The first as a combination therapy with highly active antiretroviral
therapy (“HAART”) for HIV-infected patients, and the second is for metastatic triple-negative breast cancer.
Leronlimab is an investigational humanized IgG4 mAb that blocks CCR5, a cellular receptor that is important in HIV
infection, tumor metastases and other diseases, including non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (“NASH”). Leronlimab has
successfully completed nine clinical trials in over 800 people, including meeting its primary endpoints in a pivotal
Phase 3 trial (leronlimab in combination with standard anti-retroviral therapies in HIV-infected treatment-experienced
patients).
In the setting of HIV/AIDS, leronlimab is a viral-entry inhibitor; it masks CCR5, thus protecting healthy T cells from
viral infection by blocking the predominant HIV (R5) subtype from entering those cells. Leronlimab has been the
subject of nine clinical trials, each of which demonstrated that leronlimab can significantly reduce or control HIV viral
load in humans. The leronlimab antibody appears to be a powerful antiviral agent leading to potentially fewer side
effects and less frequent dosing requirements compared with daily drug therapies currently in use.
In the setting of cancer, research has shown that CCR5 plays a vital role in tumor invasion and metastasis.
Increased CCR5 expression is an indicator of disease status in several cancers. Published studies have shown that
blocking CCR5 can reduce tumor metastases in laboratory and animal models of aggressive breast and prostate
cancer. Leronlimab reduced human breast cancer metastasis by more than 98% in a murine xenograft model.
CytoDyn is, therefore, conducting a Phase 2 human clinical trial in metastatic triple-negative breast cancer and was
granted Fast Track designation in May 2019. CytoDyn is conducting additional research with leronlimab in the
setting of oncology and NASH with plans to conduct further clinical studies when appropriate.
The CCR5 receptor appears to play a central role in modulating immune cell trafficking to sites of inflammation. It
may be important in the development of acute graft-versus-host disease (“GvHD”) and other inflammatory
conditions. Clinical studies by others further support the concept that blocking CCR5 using a chemical inhibitor can
reduce the clinical impact of acute GvHD without significantly affecting the engraftment of transplanted bone marrow
stem cells. CytoDyn is currently conducting a Phase 2 clinical study with leronlimab to support further the concept
that the CCR5 receptor on engrafted cells is critical for the development of acute GvHD. Blocking the CCR5 receptor
from recognizing specific immune signaling molecules is a viable approach to mitigating acute GvHD. The FDA has
granted "orphan drug" designation to leronlimab for the prevention of GvHD.