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August 15, 2009
Investigation of a Live Listeria Vaccine for Leukemia and Lymphoma
NORTH BRUNSWICK, N.J.--(August 15, 2009)--Advaxis, Inc. (OTCBB: ADXS), the live, attenuated Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) vaccine company, has entered into a collaboration with investigators at City of Hope, a leading biomedical research and treatment center, in the development of a vaccine for the treatment of certain forms of leukemia and lymphoma based upon the Company’s proprietary Lm vaccine technology platform.
City of Hope investigators are studying a vaccine provided by Advaxis directed against the tumor associated antigen WT-1. This molecule is observed to be over-expressed in certain cancers of the blood as well as some solid tumors such as breast, pancreas and brain cancers, which makes it a potential target for a selective immune attack delivered via an Lm vector designed by the Company.
In a recent Advaxis Phase 1 clinical trial (not conducted with City of Hope), it was found that a similar live Lm vaccine directed against the tumor-associated antigen HPV-16-E7 was safely administered to women with advanced metastatic cancer of the cervix. Although this first trial of an Lm vaccine in humans was limited and not designed or powered to test therapeutic efficacy, Advaxis believes an efficacy signal was observed that supports additional investigation into the use of this unique vaccine technology for the treatment of cancer.
"Advaxis now has nine distinct cancer fighting constructs under various stages of development, four through academic collaborations,” commented Advaxis CEO Thomas A. Moore. “As scientific excitement around Listeria technology grows, we believe many more opportunities will develop. These collaborations add to our overall understanding of Listerial vaccines, generate further scientific standing and accelerate the development of our pipeline. This new opportunity expands our potential pipeline beyond solid tumors. "
About the City of Hope
City of Hope is a leading education, research and treatment center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. Designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center, the highest honor bestowed by the National Cancer Institute, and a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, City of Hope's research and treatment protocols advance care throughout the nation. City of Hope is located in Duarte, Calif., just northeast of Los Angeles, and is ranked as one of “America’s Best Hospitals” in cancer and urology by U.S. News & World Report. Founded in 1913, City of Hope is a pioneer in the fields of bone marrow transplantation and genetics. For more information, visit www.cityofhope.org.
About the Company
Advaxis is a biotechnology company developing proprietary, attenuated, live Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) vaccines that deliver engineered tumor antigens, which stimulate multiple simultaneous immunological mechanisms to fight cancer. Based in North Brunswick, NJ, the Company’s drug platform is based on technology developed by Dr. Yvonne Paterson, professor of microbiology at the University of Pennsylvania and chairperson of Advaxis’ scientific advisory board. For further information on the Company, please visit:www.advaxis.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements contained in this press release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The statements contained herein that are not purely historical are forward looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements deal with the Company’s current plans, intentions, beliefs and expectations and statements of future economic performance. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause the Company's actual results in future periods to differ materially from what is currently anticipated. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include those discussed from time to time in reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company cannot guarantee its future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements.
