Pre-clinical research collaboration agreement with top-10 large pharma company extended
Oslo, May 26, 2016 – PCI Biotech reported today that the existing research collaboration agreement signed in September 2015 with an undisclosed top-10 large pharma company has been extended until the end of 2016. The aim of the research collaboration is to evaluate the synergistic effects of both parties’ technology platforms, to determine whether PCI Biotech’s fimaNAc technology has the potential to enhance the therapeutic effect of the partner’s nucleic acid therapeutic compounds. The purpose of the extended research period is to further investigate optimisation of technological synergies.
The pre-clinical research agreement covers evaluation of technology compatibility and synergy based on in vitro studies. The pharma company is one of the global leaders in nucleic acid therapeutics and is responsible for funding and conducting the research. The companies will evaluate the data generated in this research collaboration and explore the potential for a further partnership based on this outcome. The extended evaluation period spans over seven months, but may be further extended.
About PCI Biotech
PCI Biotech is a cancer focused biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Norway and listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange (Axess). The company is developing therapeutic products based on its proprietary photochemical internalisation (PCI) technology. The PCI technology works by inducing triggered endosomal release and may be used to unlock the true potential of a wide array of therapeutic modalities, such as small molecules, vaccines and nucleic acids.
The company has a clinical Phase I/II program in bile duct cancer, which is an orphan indication without approved medicinal products and a high need for better local treatments. The indication is well suited for PCI treatment, with easy light access through routine endoscopic methods and an active generic drug (gemcitabine) significantly enhanced by PCI.
The company is also developing PCI as a vaccination technology. When applied in the emerging field of cancer immunotherapy, PCI can be used to enhance the important cytotoxic effect of therapeutic cancer vaccines.
The PCI technology is also very well suited for intracellular delivery of nucleic acids, such as RNA therapeutics. By releasing nucleic acid compounds from endosomes where they are trapped following administration, PCI addresses one of the major bottlenecks facing this emerging and exciting field.
For more information visit: www.pcibiotech.com
Contact information:
PCI Biotech Holding ASA, Ullernchausséen 64, N-0379 Oslo
Per Walday, CEO, pw@pcibiotech.no, Mobile: +47 917 93 429