Cannabis Science to Begin Its Drug Development Program With IGXBio and Its GenePro®, DNA-Based Immunotherapeutic, FDA IND # Approved
WASHINGTON, DC--(Marketwired - Nov 2, 2015) - Cannabis Science, Inc. (OTC PINK: CBIS), a U.S. company specializing in the development of cannabis-based medicine, has announced a significant collaborative drug development deal with IGXBio Inc., and its GenePro®, a DNA-based immunotherapeutic that recently received FDA IND approval to enter into human trials. The companies will develop joint protocols that explore potential synergistic effects of their respective drug candidates, as well as potential new drug candidate opportunities.
"After recent discussions with Mr. Jim Laufenberg, President of IGXbio Inc., and Dr. Allen Herman, Chief Medical Officer, Cannabis Science Inc., we have decided it's time to accelerate our collaborative drug development program. Dr. Herman will work closely with Mr. Laufenberg to choose the team of scientists responsible for the integrity of the research, define laboratory requirements for each stage of development, and delineate the shared scope of work between CBIS and IGXBio. Jim and I are on the final joint steering committee to ensure our project is committed, fired up, and underway," said Mr. Raymond C. Dabney, President and CEO of CBIS.
IGXBio has a drug called GenePro®, which is already registered with the FDA and has an IND number. This expedites the process to seek FDA approval in the future. GenePro® is designed to promote an anti-HIV immune response that facilitates virus control in HIV-infected subjects. There are more than 150 peer-reviewed publications that describe the effectiveness of GenePro®. The inflammatory response that is associated with HIV infection is present at even low levels of viral replication, and is a major causal factor for the morbidities and associated mortality of HIV infection. Low-grade inflammation frequently occurs despite clinically successful anti-retroviral therapy and is associated with increased incidence of heart disease, bone disease, and cancers.
"If inflammation can be minimized or eliminated along with HIV viral replication it will improve the health and extend the lives of HIV-positive people. By partnering CS-TATI-1 and GenePro® we believe this is possible. Our collaboration is designed to provide novel insights into the role of inflammation in HIV disease and we hope to provide critical pharmaceutical resources for optimizing effective treatments for AIDS patients in various resource settings. The drug development program is designed to demonstrate the enhanced potential of therapeutic vaccination and the anti-inflammatory effects of cannabinoids to deter disease progression in AIDS patients unable to achieve control HIV replication," stated Allen A. Herman, M.B., Ch.B., Ph.D.
Please click here to review Dr. Herman's qualifications:
http://cannabisscience.com/downloads/allen-herman-cv.pdf
"We are excited to optimize our drug development in partnership with IGXBio and increase the speed of bringing clinically safe and effective cannabinoids to a global market for anti-retroviral and cancer therapeutics. It is estimated that, as populations age around the world and transition from infectious diseases to chronic diseases, it is anticipated that there will be a rapid rise in cancers and other chronic diseases. We are concerned that much of the increase will occur in North America, Europe, and the other developing economies around the world such as Africa, Asia, Central and South America. Therefore, it is imperative that there is rapid development and deployment of more affordable, effective, and safe cancer treatments. The IGXBio-CBIS partnership is poised to flourish in its service of individuals suffering from HIV, cancer, and other chronic diseases," concludes Mr. Dabney.
About IGXBio
IGXBio is a privately held clinical stage biotechnology company developing advanced DNA immunotherapies for HIV infection, based in Fairway, KS, USA. The Company's lead product candidate, GenePro®, is an immune-therapeutic generating non-infective viral like particles by incorporating a proprietary DNA lentiviral composition that yields high levels of gene expression and non-infectious HIV protein production, inducing robust antibody and cellular immune responses. Published data in non-human primates has demonstrated increased production of CD8+ memory cells similar to those produced by Elite Controllers of HIV. These are individuals who represent a small percentage of the population who control HIV progression without having therapeutic drugs on board. GenePro® has an open IND and ready to advance to human trials.
About Cannabis Science, Inc.
Cannabis Science, Inc., takes advantage of its unique understanding of metabolic processes to provide novel treatment approaches to a number of illnesses for which current treatments and understanding remain unsatisfactory. Cannabinoids have an extensive history dating back thousands of years, and currently, there are a growing number of peer-reviewed scientific publications that document the underlying biochemical pathways that cannabinoids modulate. The Company works with leading experts in drug development, medicinal characterization, and clinical research to develop, produce, and commercialize novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment for illnesses caused by infections as well as for age-related illness. Our initial focus is on skin cancers, HIV/AIDS, and neurological conditions. The Company is proceeding with the research and development of its proprietary drugs as a part of this initial focus: CS-S/BCC-1, CS-TATI-1, and CS-NEURO-1, respectively.
Forward-Looking Statements
This Press Release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934. A statement containing words such as "anticipate," "seek," intend," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "project," "plan," or similar phrases may be deemed "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Some or all of the events or results anticipated by these forward-looking statements may not occur. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include the future U.S. and global economies, the impact of competition, and the Company's reliance on existing regulations regarding the use and development of cannabis-based drugs. Cannabis Science, Inc., does not undertake any duty nor does it intend to update the results of these forward-looking statements. Safe Harbor Statement. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a 'safe harbor' for forward-looking statements. Certain of the statements contained herein, which are not historical facts are forward looking statements with respect to events, the occurrence of which involved risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements may be impacted, either positively or negatively, by various factors. Information concerning potential factors that could affect the company are detailed from time to time in the company's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.