HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, Nov. 13, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Immunovaccine Inc. (TSX:IMV) (OTCQX:IMMVF), a clinical stage immuno-oncology company, today announced that the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) has recognized Immunovaccine researchers with the 2017 Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer (JITC) ‘Best Basic Science Paper Award.’ The company also announced that separate research was presented via poster at the 32nd SITC Annual Meeting.
A committee of SITC leadership and the JITC Editorial Board reviewed Immunovaccine’s scientific paper, which is entitled “Anti-PD-1 increases the clonality and activity of tumor infiltrating antigen specific T cells induced by a potent immune therapy consisting of vaccine and metronomic cyclophosphamide.” The review committee selected the Immunovaccine paper for recognition based on its ‘demonstration of innovative research in medical sciences that has a direct relevance to future research in clinical medicine.’ Immunovaccine representatives received the award at SITC’s 32nd Annual Meeting Awards Ceremony on November 11 at the Gaylord National Hotel & Convention Center in National Harbor, MD.
“It’s an honor for our team of researchers to be recognized with this prestigious SITC award. It highlights the quality of their scientific acumen and dedication to uncovering novel ways to leverage human immunity to fight serious diseases, including cancer,” said Marianne Stanford, PhD, Immunovaccine’s Vice President, Research. “I believe that this award also helps to validate our clinical strategy and underscores the promise of our DepoVax™-based formulations and the role they play in the treatment landscape, particularly in combination with other advanced immuno-modulating monotherapies, including checkpoint inhibitors.”
The Immunovaccine poster presented at the SITC Annual Meeting is titled “Predicting the efficacy of combination immunotherapy in a microenvironment immune cell profiling.” The study explored using data on the types of immune cells found within the tumor microenvironment as a means of predicting the potential efficacy of combination immunotherapies in tumor models. Researchers focused on combinations based on T cell-activating agents formulated with the Company’s proprietary DepoVax-related technology. These agents facilitated T cell infiltration into the tumors, which is essential for controlling tumor growth, that could be augmented by other novel immunotherapies, such as checkpoint inhibitors.
About DepoVax
DepoVax is Immunovaccine’s proprietary delivery formulation that uses a novel process to present stimulants to the human immune system, and sustain them over time. The technology underlying DepoVax formulations suspends vaccine components in a 100% oil-based diluent that prevents their release at the site of injection. This process forces immune cells to take up these components in an active process, delivering them directly to immune organs such as the lymph nodes. DepoVax formulations have undergone extensive testing in more than 60 preclinical and seven clinical studies. In clinical trials, these formulations have consistently demonstrated the ability to generate robust T and B cell responses, and durable immune responses.
About Immunovaccine
Immunovaccine Inc. is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to making immunotherapy more effective, more broadly applicable, and more widely available to people facing cancer and other serious diseases. Immunovaccine develops T cell-activating cancer immunotherapies and other vaccine candidates based on DepoVax, the Company’s patented platform that provides controlled and prolonged exposure of antigens and adjuvant to the immune system. Immunovaccine has advanced two T cell-activating therapies for cancer through Phase 1 human clinical trials and is currently conducting a Phase 1b study with Incyte Corporation assessing lead cancer therapy, DPX-Survivac, as a combination therapy in ovarian cancer. The Company is also exploring additional applications of DepoVax, including DPX-RSV, an innovative vaccine candidate for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which has recently completed a Phase 1 clinical trial. Immunovaccine also has ongoing clinical projects to assess the potential of DepoVax to address malaria and the Zika virus. Connect at www.imvaccine.com.
Immunovaccine Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking information under applicable securities law. All information that addresses activities or developments that we expect to occur in the future is forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements are based on the estimates and opinions of management on the date the statements are made. However, they should not be regarded as a representation that any of the plans will be achieved. Actual results may differ materially from those set forth in this press release due to risks affecting the Company, including access to capital, the successful completion of clinical trials and receipt of all regulatory approvals. Immunovaccine Inc. assumes no responsibility to update forward-looking statements in this press release except as required by law.
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