Quantum Immunologics announces the filing of two important provisional patent applications

Mar 31 2009

Quantum Immunologics, Inc. (QI), a Florida-based company specializing in cancer immunotherapy, has recently filed two provisional patent applications relating to their work in cancer immunotherapy.

The company's research is focused on the use of the oncofetal antigen ("OFA"), or more specifically, iLRP - immature Laminin Receptor Protein, as a cancer immunogen (a cancer target against which the immune system is directed) found in many tumor cell lines or fetal tissue, but not found in normal mature tissue. This makes it a unique target for personalized anti-cancer therapy for multiple cancers. The company is currently conducting clinical trials using OFA/iLRP as an immunogen in Stage IV breast cancer patients. The FDA-approved trial involves using the body's own immune cells, i.e., the dendritic cells, to recognize OFA/iLRP as a foreign protein and to have them direct the immune system against the cancer cells.

The first patent application describes the discovery of protein sequences, known as a peptides, found on the OFA/iLRP protein that are thought to be more immunogenic and more specific than the OFA/iLRP protein as a whole. With the discovery of these sequences, QI believes that dendritic cell recognition of the foreign cancer protein can be more efficient and specific, and will therefore result in a more effective immunotherapy treatment against malignancy. Additionally, QI researchers believe that it may also be possible to someday inoculate patients directly with the peptides as a direct immunogen to create immunity against cancer without the use of dendritic cells.

The second patent relates to antibodies discovered against these specific peptides. Antibodies are proteins made by the B cells of the body's immune system to aid in the recognition and destruction of foreign materials including cancer cells. Because they have a strong affinity for specific regions in proteins found on cancer cells (OFA/iLRP peptides), these antibodies have diagnostic and therapeutic uses. From a diagnostic standpoint, tests can be created to diagnose the presence or location of cancer in serum or in tissue by the addition of marker substances to the antibodies. From a therapeutic standpoint, these antibodies, once prepared for human use, may possibly be used as a therapy against the cancer (passive immunity), or if joined with materials toxic to cancer cells or by altering the structure of the antibody, provide a more effective and direct therapy to destroy cancer cells while sparing normal tissue.

With these new discoveries, QI has improved its pipeline and intellectual property portfolio and hopes to promote its goals of providing effective anti-cancer therapy with minimal side effects, and to design effective methods for the earlier detection of cancers. Research is presently being planned and conducted to advance these discoveries to promote their use within clinical settings.