Paper on Role of MOSPD2 in Metastatic Breast Cancer Published in International Journal of Cancer
TEL AVIV, Israel, July 10, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — VBL Therapeutics (NASDAQ:VBLT) today announced the publication of data on the potential role of MOSPD2 in metastatic breast cancer in the International Journal of Cancer.
VBL’s data demonstrate for the first time that MOSPD2 can play a major role in breast cancer cell migration and metastasis, and that targeting MOSPD2 may be employed to prevent the spreading of breast cancer cells. Histological analysis of specimens shows that MOSPD2 levels were correlated with the stage of tumor invasiveness, and were profoundly elevated in invasive and metastatic breast cancer, making it an attractive target for potential treatment of late-stage breast cancer.
“Our research has previously shown that MOSPD2 plays a key role in the regulation of cell motility in the immune system. The current publication further demonstrates that it also plays an important role in cancer cell metastasis, and that knock-out of MOSPD2 in tumor cells may reduce metastasis by up to 95% in certain models,” said Itzhak Mendel, Ph.D., Immunology Director of VBL Therapeutics and co-author of the paper. “We continue to advance our exciting VB-600 series of antibodies targeting MOSPD2 for oncology and inflammatory indications.”
At the American Association of Cancer Research (AACR) conference in April this year, VBL presented a late-breaking proof-of-concept study demonstrating antibody-mediated killing of MOSPD2-expressing cancer cells. VBL research has also shown that knocking-out the MOSPD2 gene in mice could protect the animals from developing some inflammatory diseases. The Company has generated antibodies that block immune cell migration and show efficacy in a model of multiple sclerosis.
VBL is developing the VB-600 platform of biologic drug candidates for oncology and inflammatory indications. The Company plans to file an IND in this program by year-end 2019.
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 first-in-class, targeted anti-cancer gene-therapy agent that is positioned to treat a wide range of solid tumors. VB-111 is currently being studied in a Phase 3 trial for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. VBL’s pipeline of product candidates also comprises the Lecinoxoids platform of anti-inflammatory molecules, and the VB-600 series of biologic agents targeting MOSPD2 for immune and oncology applications. In October 2017, VBL opened its new gene therapy manufacturing plant in Modiin, Israel. The Modiin facility is the first commercial-scale gene therapy manufacturing facility in Israel and currently one of the largest gene-therapy designated ones in the world (20,000 sq. ft.).
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 VB-111, the VB-600 series and the MOSPD2 target, including their clinical development, therapeutic potential and clinical results. 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 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, 2017. 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
mrice@lifesciadvisors.com
(646) 597-6979
