ValiRx Plc
("ValiRx" or the "Company")
GENEICE & VAL101 UPDATE
"Positive results from VAL101
shown to be effective in inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death)
in cancer cell models"
London, UK., 19 April 2018: ValiRx Plc (AIM: VAL), the clinical stage biotechnology company, is pleased to announce positive VAL101 results, that are shown to be effective in inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death) in cancer cell models. The results show superior apoptotic effect in comparison to currently available reagents.
The studies involved a wide range of technical and scientific methodologies demonstrating the enhanced effect of the compound on the prevention of cancer growth at cellular biochemical and genomic levels.
This excellent outcome follows on from ValiRx's earlier September 2017 update, which highlighted the successful optimisation of the VAL101 molecule. This will be the compound that will be taken forward for preparation and use in clinical trials.
Valirx is progressing this programme towards the clinic in a full partnership with our commercial and academic collaborators in Finland, Germany and Denmark. The Company is adding commercial partners in the US and China in order to support manufacturing and clinical development.
The VAL101 compound has been designed against a gene expressing Bcl-2 protein, which has been implicated and associated with various cancers.
Dr Satu Vainikka, Chief Executive Officer of ValiRx, commented: "I am extremely pleased about these developmental results that the collaboration has produced. Our previous two Eurostars Awards have clearly demonstrated and endorsed the importance of the project, which is targeting a very important and increasingly prominent area of the therapeutic industry, namely targeted and personalised therapies. I am also delighted by the technical excellence and high quality of the work conducted by the Consortium, which is extremely innovative. I look forward to the future development of this exciting field and to the development of VAL101 and further related GeneICE compounds. I also expect the results of these studies to be written up and submitted for publication in a relevant peer reviewed journal".
The VAL101 compound is derived from the Company's proprietary GeneICE platform ("Gene inactivation by Chromatin Engineering"), which is a technology platform, first developed by Imperial College, London, where the initial science was conducted, in which "rebellious genes", which cause problems such as cancer and potentially some neurological problems, are shut down or "put on ice". The technology acts upstream of the gene expression, potentially enabling a better inhibition compared to existing therapeutics acting at the protein or post-transcriptional levels.
ValiRx has been leading pre-clinical work alongside its consortium partners, Deutsche Krebsforschungzentrum ("DKFZ"), the Institute of Oncology in Heidelberg and Pharmatest Services Limited, a specialist CRO in Finland, to progress the pre-clinical studies of VAL101. Data was collected from Gene expression as well protein expression analysis and was evaluated by Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA).
This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of EU Regulation 596/2014.
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For more information, please contact:
ValiRx plc |
Tel: +44 (0) 20 3008 4416 www.valirx.com |
Dr Satu Vainikka, Chief Executive |
Tel: +44 (0) 20 3008 4416 |
Tarquin Edwards, Head of Communications. |
Tel: +44 (0) 7879 458 364 [email protected] |
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Cairn Financial Advisers LLP (Nominated Adviser) Liam Murray/Ludo Lazzaretti |
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7213 0880 |
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Novum Securities Limited (Broker) Colin Rowbury |
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7399 9400 |
Notes for Editors
GeneICE Platform
GeneICE (Gene Inactivation by Chromatin Engineering) is a novel proprietary gene silencing platform for the efficient silencing of targeted genes. This technology is based on natural mechanisms and has the potential to halt and reverse tumour growth. ValiRx has attracted two Eurostars grants, a European grant scheme of EUR1.6m each, for further development of its GeneICE technology platform.
GeneICE mimics a natural process in cells to silence genes. The technology acts upstream of the gene expression, potentially enabling a better inhibition compared to existing therapeutics acting at the protein or post-transcriptional levels.
About ValiRx
ValiRx is a biotechnology oncology focused company specialising in developing novel treatments for cancer and associated biomarkers. It aims to make a significant contribution in "precision" medicine and science, namely to engineer a breakthrough into human health and well-being, through the early detection of cancer and its therapeutic intervention.
The Company's business model focuses on out-licensing therapeutic candidates early in the development process. By aiming for early-stage value creation, the company reduces risk considerably while increasing the potential for realising value. The group is already in licensing discussions with major players in the oncology field.
ValiRx's two classes of drugs in development, which each have the potential for meeting hitherto unmet medical needs by existing methods, have worldwide patent filings and agreed commercial rights. They originate or derive from Word class institutions, such as Cancer Research UK and Imperial College.
Until recently, cancer treatments relied on non-specific agents, such as chemotherapy. With the development of target-based agents, primed to attack cancer cells only, less toxic and more effective treatments are now possible. New drugs in this group-such as those in ValiRx's pipeline-promise to greatly improve outcomes for cancer patients.
The Company listed on the AIM Market of the London Stock Exchange in October 2006 and trades under the ticker symbol: VAL.
