Nuvilex realizes important role for Cell-in-a-Box technology

Apr 4 2012

Nuvilex, Inc. (OTCQB:NVLX), an emerging biotechnology provider of cell and gene therapy solutions through acquisition of SG Austria assets, realizes the important role for Cell-in-a-Box^® technology and aims to bring to light its use in the production of therapeutic antibodies for clinically important diseases.

One of the most important and today's fastest growing area of molecular medicine is the use of therapeutic antibodies for targeted treatment of various diseases like cancer, autoimmune disorders, and inflammatory and infectious diseases like West Nile virus.

Using the antibody-expressing encapsulated cell approach provides antibodies for an individual when their bodies are unable to generate them. As a result, the implanted antibody-producing cells make use of the body's own immune system to eliminate abnormal cells, viral or cellular products from the body, including cancerous cells or viral disease. Appropriately chosen antibodies can also interrupt disease mechanisms by blocking signaling molecules and their receptors. Such therapies are highly specific and have great efficacy with minimal side effects. Cell-in-a-Box^® technology takes immune therapy one step farther, transferring the site of antibody production from the bioreactor straight into the patient.

For this to work, Cell-in-a-Box^® is used to hold and protect hybridoma cells inside the body. The hybridomas produce cytotoxic antibodies against specific types of antigens. Encapsulated antibody-producing cells can be used to generate the continuous release of therapeutic antibodies for the treatment of many diseases, as was done to fight West Nile virus. These include cancer therapy (breast, colorectal, hematological, and head and neck cancers), autoimmune disorders (rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, and Crohn's disease), lethal infectious disease, cardiovascular disease, transplant rejection, and allergy-related asthma.

In an animal study by SGAustria and some of its research partners, they used Cell-in-a-Box^® technology to encapsulate hybridoma cells producing cytotoxic antibodies against a specific type of T-cells. In the study, varying numbers of capsules were implanted into mice subcutaneously (under the skin) and intraperitoneally (inside the body cavity). The levels of stimulated T-cells were measured over the course of several weeks. The results indicated long-term depletion of the T-cells can be achieved from a single implantation of encapsulated antibodies. This suggests that chronic sufferers of auto-immune diseases, cancers, and infectious diseases may be able to receive substantial benefit from long-term passive immunotherapy and the therapeutic effect achievable from encapsulated cells.

Dr. Robert Ryan, Chief Executive Officer of Nuvilex, commented on the study, "The hybridoma encapsulation study directly showed the potential to address chronic sufferers of cancer, auto-immune and infectious diseases, with the ultimate goal of achieving long-term treatment from a single dose. This technology promises to greatly enhance the quality of life for millions of people. We are already working to partner with investigators, institutions and industry to bring these treatments from the bench to bedside for physicians, their patients and families."