KNOXVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Provectus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (OTCQB: PVCT, http://www.pvct.com), a development-stage oncology and dermatology biopharmaceutical company, announced that a poster presentation detailing the induction of tumor specific immunity after intralesional PV-10 treatment was presented by researchers from the Moffitt Cancer Center at the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting in Washington, DC.
The poster presentation, based on Abstract #1248 entitled, "Intralesional Injection with PV-10 Induces a Systemic Anti-tumor Immune Response in Murine Models of Breast Cancer and Melanoma," was authored by Shari Pilon-Thomas1, Amy Weber1, Krithika Kodumudi1, Lisa Kuhn1, Paul Toomey2 and Amod A. Sarnaik1 of 1Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL and the 2University of South Florida, Tampa, FL.
Provectus’s PV-10, a 10% solution of Rose Bengal, is currently being examined as a novel cancer therapeutic. It is designed to selectively target and destroy cancer cells without harming surrounding healthy tissue, significantly reducing potential for systemic side effects. In melanoma patients, intralesional (IL) injection of PV-10 has led to regression of injected lesions as well as distant metastases.
The Moffitt Cancer Center investigational study, which examined the potential immune mechanism of PV-10 treatment in murine models of breast cancer and melanoma, demonstrated that injection of PV-10 led to regression of injected and untreated contralateral subcutaneous lesions, with a significant increase in survival in mice treated with PV-10. In related experiments using a melanoma lung metastasis model, mice that received PV-10 treatment of a cutaneous tumor had markedly fewer lung metastases compared to controls receiving saline. The poster was presented by Shari Pilon-Thomas, Ph.D, Immunology Program, Moffitt Cancer Center.
Dr. Pilon-Thomas commented, “We believe our findings are meaningful because they confirm the induction of tumor-specific immunity after single treatment with IL-PV-10 in multiple tumor types. Our data show that T cells play a crucial roll in this response, and we are continuing our work to further elucidate the mechanisms that occur following PV-10 treatment.”
Dr. Amod Sarnaik observed, “The systemic response to intralesional PV-10 treatment observed in murine models was sufficiently compelling to warrant further clinical investigation. We look forward to additional insights from our current investigational study of the immune mechanism of PV-10 ablation in cutaneous melanoma patients.”
Additional details on the immunological mechanism of action of PV-10 being presented during the AACR Annual Meeting poster session will be forthcoming. Abstract #1248 can be accessed at the following link:
About the American Association for Cancer Research
The AACR is the oldest and largest scientific organization in the world focused on every aspect of high-quality, innovative cancer research. Its reputation for scientific breadth and excellence attract the premier researchers in the field. The programs and services of the AACR foster the exchange of knowledge and new ideas among scientists dedicated to cancer research, provide training opportunities for the next generation of cancer researchers, and increase public understanding of cancer.
About Provectus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Provectus Pharmaceuticals specializes in developing oncology and dermatology therapies. Its novel oncology drug PV-10 is designed to selectively target and destroy cancer cells without harming surrounding healthy tissue, significantly reducing potential for systemic side effects. Its oncology focus is on melanoma, breast cancer and cancers of the liver. The Company has received orphan drug designations from the FDA for its melanoma and hepatocellular carcinoma indications. Its dermatological drug PH-10 also targets abnormal or diseased cells, with the current focus on psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. Provectus has recently completed Phase 2 trials of PV-10 as a therapy for metastatic melanoma, and of PH-10 as a topical treatment for atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. Information about these and the Company's other clinical trials can be found at the NIH registry, www.clinicaltrials.gov. For additional information about Provectus please visit the Company's website at www.pvct.com or contact Porter, LeVay & Rose, Inc.
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