Advaxis advances lead prostate cancer immunotherapeutic toward clinical trials

May 3 2010

Advaxis, Inc., (OTCBB: ADXS). Advaxis, the live, attenuated Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) immunotherapy company, is advancing the clinical development of its lead prostate cancer immunotherapeutic toward clinical trials.

“Prostate cancer is an excellent target for immunotherapy. We believe our approach compares favorably with the recently approved Provenge treatment. Advaxis' vaccine is simple and less expensive, as it is comprised of three (3) vaccinations, which attack all prostate cancer without the need to be patient specific.”

The company is collaborating with Dr. Chandan Guha at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center to develop ADXS31-142 in human trials. Following the completion of manufacturing trials, the company intends to conduct a Phase 1 study with Dr. Guha.

Regarding Advaxis' prostate initiative, Dr. John Rothman, Executive VP of Science and Operations said, "Prostate cancer is an excellent target for immunotherapy. We believe our approach compares favorably with the recently approved Provenge treatment. Advaxis' vaccine is simple and less expensive, as it is comprised of three (3) vaccinations, which attack all prostate cancer without the need to be patient specific."

Advaxis' prostate cancer vaccine generates a strong immunologic response that attacks and kills cells that secrete prostate specific antigen (PSA), a commonly used clinical indicator of prostate cancer. The company has published preclinical work demonstrating the ability of ADXS31-142, its live Listeria vaccine directed against PSA (Cancer Immunology Immunotherapy. 2008, 57:1301-1313; Clinical & Vaccine Immunology, 2009, 16(1):96-103).

"The approval of Dendreon Corporation's (NASDAQ: DNDN) Provenge by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is an exciting development in the study of cancer immunotherapy. Our collaboration with Dr. Guha, coupled with our recent success in raising funds and some very promising new preclinical research has led us to commit to moving forward immediately on a prostate program with our proprietary live Listeria technology platform," commented Advaxis Chairman/CEO Thomas A. Moore. "If human results approach our animal results, we may be able to offer an immunotherapy that is less expensive, more effective and suitable for use prior to the induction of chemical castration of prostate cancer patients."

SOURCE Advaxis, Inc.