MabCure retains CUNY CAT to evaluate monoclonal antibodies against ovarian cancer

MabCure Inc., (OTCBB:MBCI) a leading developer of antibody-based technology for the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian, prostate, colorectal and other cancers, has retained the CUNY Center for Advanced Technology (CUNY CAT) to evaluate its monoclonal antibodies against ovarian cancer cells as diagnostic reagents. The work will be performed in the laboratory of Professor Paul Gottlieb of The City College of New York's Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education.

The antibodies to be tested were developed earlier by MBCI. At the 2011 annual meeting of the Society of Gynecological Oncologists, the company reported that they have shown significant promise in detecting ovarian cancer in blood samples and distinguishing between cancer and benign tumors of the ovaries.

The company's goal is to develop a definitive test for early detection of ovarian cancer, something that has eluded the medical profession. Ovarian cancer has a 94 percent five-year survival rate when detected early, according to the American Cancer Society. However, only around 20 percent of cases are found at an early stage.

To further develop these antibodies as diagnostic reagents MabCure needs to have them tested and evaluated in an independent setting, explained Professor Gottlieb, who is conducting the studies with Dr. Alvin Katz, a research associate. "My lab can perform a variety of immunoassays and is well suited to perform this study."

"The interaction with CUNY CAT organization gives us the advantage not only of access to their scientific expertise, but also to participate in the larger mission of the CAT as it seeks to support early-stage biotechnology initiatives," said Dr. Amnon Gonenne, CEO of MabCure. Following validation, MabCure plans to evaluate the performance of its antibodies in diagnosing ovarian cancer in blood samples obtained from diverse populations in different locations around the world.

"Over the last two years the CUNY CAT has had a significant increase in the number of sponsored research agreements in the life sciences sector, said Dr. John Blaho, CUNY CAT director for industry-university research collaborations. He added that "we hope that this new project will lead to a longer term relationship with MabCure."