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Cobra Biomanufacturing signs agreement to manufacture Coley's Toxin -
Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and the Cancer Research Institute to
develop cancer vaccine Keele, UK - 28 June 2004: Cobra Biomanufacturing Plc, the International manufacturer of biopharmaceuticals, announced an agreement between the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and its collaborator the Cancer Research Institute to produce Coley’s Toxin cancer vaccine for clinical trials. Cancer vaccines direct the immune system to eliminate tumours and are re-emerging as candidates for cancer therapy. Cobra will produce Coley’s Toxin from two different bacteria under controlled conditions. A modern and regulatory compliant manufacturing process for the vaccine has been developed, and state of the art monitoring will be utilized to assess the vaccine’s immunological efficacy. The entire project is scheduled to take 6 months. David Thatcher, Chief Executive of Cobra Biomanufacturing, commented: “We are delighted that the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and its collaborator the Cancer Research Institute, have chosen Cobra as its manufacturing partner. Both Institutes have a strong international scientific reputation and are at the forefront of developing improved cancer therapies.” Dr Gerd Ritter, Associate Director of the Ludwig Institute’s Office of Clinical Trials Management commented: "Cobra has an impressive track record in the safe and effective manufacture of diverse biologicals. We were impressed by the Cobra team’s innovative approaches for the manufacture of this challenging microbial cancer vaccine, and as an academic organization we liked its partnership style of working. We look forward to a successful collaboration." - Ends - Notes to Editors: 1. History: The observation that acute bacterial infections can induce regression in malignant tumours has been known for hundreds of years. In 1890, this served as the impetus for Dr William Coley, a notable New York surgeon, to develop and administer Coley’s Toxin, derived from bacteria, to cancer patients. In numerous patients treated with Coley’s Toxin, tumour remission was reported. With the advent of chemotherapy this treatment was neglected. Coley’s Toxin has recently seen a revival and has led to Dr William Coley being known as “the father of immunotherapy.” 2. Proposed Mechanism: Coley’s Toxins are designed to stimulate the immune system to better fight existing malignant cells and enhance survival. Mechanisms of anti-tumour effects are reported to include the induction of interferon, augmentation of natural killer cell activity, stimulation of lymphoid tissues, activation of macrophages, induction of serum factors that cause necrosis of tumours and increased release of IL-2. 3.
The Cancer Research Institute is particularly pertinent to this project as
it was founded by Helen Nauts, Dr Coley’s daughter, to honour and advance
research initiated by her father. About
Cobra Biomanufacturing Plc Cobra
Biomanufacturing Plc is a leading international manufacturer of
biopharmaceuticals to the lifescience industry. Founded in 1992, Cobra provides
innovative manufacturing solutions to the biopharmaceutical industry covering
DNA, virus, cellular therapeutics and recombinant protein products. Cobra was
the first company to develop GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standard DNA
manufacture in Europe, with specific expertise in DNA medicines. A range of
unique, patented technologies, underpins this revenue generating business. Cobra
floated on the Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange in
June 2002 raising £7 million and raised a further £5.2 million in May 2003 in
order to further expand capacity in Oxford, UK. About
the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research The
Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research (LICR) is the largest international
academic institute dedicated to understanding and controlling cancer. With ten
branches in seven countries, and numerous Affiliates and Clinical Trial Centers
in many others, the scientific network that is LICR quite literally covers the
globe. The uniqueness of LICR lies not only in its size and scale, but also in
its philosophy and ability to drive its results from the laboratory into the
clinic. LICR has developed an impressive portfolio of reagents, knowledge,
expertise, and intellectual property, and has also assembled the personnel,
facilities, and practices necessary to patent, clinically evaluate, license, and
thus translate, the most promising aspects of its own laboratory research into
cancer therapies. For
further information, please contact: Cobra
Biomanufacturing Tel:
+ 44 (0)1782 714181 Email:
david.thatcher@cobrat .com
Dr
Eileen Paul - Account Manager Northbank
Communications Ltd Tel:
+44 (0)1260 296500 Email:
e.paul@northbankcommunications.com
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