Data Presented at ECTRIMS 2018 Show Potential of MOSPD2 as a Novel Target for Treatment of CNS Inflammation, Such as Multiple Sclerosis
TEL AVIV, Israel, Oct. 11, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- (Nasdaq: ), announced today that a study entitled “MOSPD2: A Novel Therapeutic Target for the Treatment of CNS Inflammation,” is being presented today at the 34th Congress of the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) in Berlin, Germany. The poster is being presented 5:15pm - 7:15pm CEST today, as part of Poster Session 2. VBL is developing its VB-600 platform of biologics targeting MOSPD2 for inflammatory and oncology indications.
In MS, blood-borne monocytes constitute a part of the central nervous system (CNS)-infiltrating cells and are paramount for disease pathogenesis. Therefore, inhibiting monocyte migration to the CNS of MS patients could have a therapeutic benefit. VBL identified MOSPD2 (motile sperm domain–containing protein 2) as a protein which is predominantly expressed on the surface of human monocytes and is essential for their migration. In this study, the Company assessed the potential of MOSPD2 as a target for treating CNS inflammation, using the well-established experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) test model for MS.
Using MOSPD2 knockout mice, VBL's investigators successfully demonstrated that MOSPD2 is essential for EAE pathogenesis. Proprietary monoclonal antibodies against MOSPD2 were successfully used to prevent development of EAE and to treat EAE in the animals once symptoms had appeared.
“These data we are presenting at ECTRIMS support the potential of MOSPD2 as a target for inflammatory CNS diseases,” said Dror Harats, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of VBL Therapeutics. “Our goal is to file the first IND in our VB-600 program by year-end 2019.”
About VBL
Vascular Biogenics Ltd., operating as VBL Therapeutics, is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of first-in-class treatments for cancer. The Company’s lead oncology product candidate, ofranergene obadenovec (VB-111), is a first-in-class, targeted anti-cancer gene-therapy agent that is positioned to treat a wide range of solid tumors. It is conveniently administered as an IV infusion once every two months. It has been observed to be well-tolerated in >300 cancer patients and demonstrated efficacy signals in an “all comers” Phase 1 trial as well as in three tumor-specific Phase 2 studies. Ofranergene obadenovec is currently being studied in a Phase 3 trial for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, which are often indicated by terms such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “goal,” “intend,” “look forward to”, “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our programs, including VB-111 and VB-600, including their clinical development, such as the timing thereof, therapeutic potential and clinical results. These forward-looking statements are not promises or guarantees and involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described or projected herein include uncertainties associated generally with research and development, clinical trials and related regulatory reviews and approvals, and the risk that historical clinical trial results may not be predictive of future trial results. A further list and description of these risks, uncertainties and other risks can be found in the Company’s regulatory filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including in our annual report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2017, and subsequent filings with the SEC. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. VBL Therapeutics undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information contained in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise.
INVESTOR CONTACT:
Michael Rice
LifeSci Advisors, LLC
(646) 597-6979
