PharmaCyte Biotech Bioengineers Cell Line for Cannabis Program to Treat Cancers

May 13, 2019 Off By BusinessWire

LAGUNA HILLS, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–lt;a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDstatus?src=hash" target="_blank"gt;#INDstatuslt;/agt;–PharmaCyte
Biotech, Inc.
(OTCQB: PMCB), a biotechnology company focused on
developing targeted cellular therapies for cancer and diabetes using its
signature live-cell
encapsulation technology, Cell-in-a-Box®
, today announced
that its research partner, the University of Northern Colorado, has
bioengineered a human cell line designed to activate a cannabinoid
prodrug in its quest to develop a Cell-in-a-Box®/cannabinoid
therapy for serious forms of cancer, particularly brain cancer.

Mark L. Rabe, MD, PharmaCyte’s Director of Cannabis Program Development,
commenting on the bioengineered cell line said, “We now have a cell line
into which the gene for a putative cannabinoid prodrug-activating enzyme
has been ‘transfected’ or inserted into the cell’s DNA. The gene was
synthesized de novo using knowledge of the underlying genetic
code of the cell. The cell line is the same human cell line that will be
used in PharmaCyte’s planned clinical trial in locally advanced,
inoperable pancreatic cancer (LAPC).

“The next step is to test the efficiency of the transfected cells in
converting cannabinoid prodrugs into their active cancer-fighting forms.
If the cells are suitably active, they would then be propagated to the
point that they can then be encapsulated using the Cell-in-a-Box®
technology. Also, we will continue our analysis of other genes of
interest that could be used in a similar way.”

PharmaCyte’s Chief Executive Officer, Kenneth L. Waggoner, stated, “As
we advance our Cell-in-a-Box® + ifosfamide therapy for LAPC
with the U.S. FDA through preparation and submission of an
Investigational New Drug application, we are pleased to report on the
work done at the University of Northern Colorado. Such news as this
serves to contribute to PharmaCyte’s efforts as we work diligently to
develop treatments for deadly diseases and build shareholder value.”

The current objective of PharmaCyte’s Cannabis Program is to develop
targeted cannabinoid-based chemotherapy by bioengineering a cell line
that produces a cannabinoid prodrug-activating enzyme, encapsulating
this cell line utilizing the Cell-in-a-Box® platform and
implanting the encapsulated cells near the site of a tumor. A
cannabinoid prodrug would then be administered and activated at the site
of the tumor where its anti-cancer effects are needed. PharmaCyte’s
research conducted by the University of Northern Colorado has confirmed
that a cannabis-based approach may prove to be efficacious in the
treatment of several different types of cancers.

About PharmaCyte Biotech

PharmaCyte Biotech is a biotechnology company developing cellular
therapies for cancer and diabetes based upon a proprietary
cellulose-based live cell encapsulation technology known as
“Cell-in-a-Box®.” This technology will be used as a platform
upon which therapies for several types of cancer and diabetes are being
developed.

PharmaCyte’s therapy for cancer involves encapsulating genetically
engineered human cells that convert an inactive chemotherapy drug into
its active or “cancer-killing” form. For pancreatic cancer, these
encapsulated cells are implanted in the blood supply to the patient’s
tumor as close as possible to the site of the tumor. Once implanted, a
chemotherapy drug that is normally activated in the liver (ifosfamide)
is given intravenously at one-third the normal dose. The ifosfamide is
carried by the circulatory system to where the encapsulated cells have
been implanted. When the ifosfamide flows through pores in the capsules,
the live cells inside act as a “bio-artificial liver” and activate the
chemotherapy drug at the site of the cancer. This “targeted
chemotherapy” has proven effective and safe to use in past clinical
trials and reportedly results in no treatment related side effects.

PharmaCyte’s therapy for Type 1 diabetes and insulin-dependent Type 2
diabetes involves encapsulating a human cell line that has been
genetically engineered to produce, store and release insulin in response
to the levels of blood sugar in the human body. The cell lines being
studied are human liver cells, stem cells and beta islet cells. The
encapsulation will be done using the Cell-in-a-Box®
technology. Once the encapsulated cells are implanted in a diabetic
patient, they are designed to function as a “bio-artificial pancreas”
for purposes of insulin production.

Safe Harbor

This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the
meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that
express the current beliefs and expectations of the management of
PharmaCyte Biotech, including statements regarding the timing and
commencement of our first Phase 2b clinical trial. Any statements
contained herein that do not describe historical facts are
forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties
that could cause actual results, performance and achievements to differ
materially from those discussed in such forward-looking statements.
Factors that could affect our actual results are included in the
periodic reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q that we file with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements are
made only as of the date hereof, and we undertake no obligation to
update or revise the forward-looking statements, except as otherwise
required by law, whether as a result of new information, future events
or otherwise

More information about PharmaCyte Biotech can be found at www.PharmaCyte.com.
Information may also be obtained by contacting PharmaCyte’s Investor
Relations Department.

Contacts

Dr. Gerald W. Crabtree
PharmaCyte Biotech, Inc.
Investor
Relations Department
Telephone: 917.595.2856
Email: [email protected]