Orion Biotechnology Reports Positive Results for Colorectal Cancer in Preclinical Study

OTTAWA, Jan. 15, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Orion Biotechnology Canada Ltd., a developer of novel medical treatments, today announced preclinical data produced in collaboration with Charles River Laboratories, evaluating the efficacy of OB-002O (5P12-RANTES) in colorectal cancer. BALB/c mice were inoculated subcutaneously with the CT-26 colorectal cancer cell line. Three days after inoculation intraperitoneal treatment was started with OB-002O, a murine anti-PD-1 antibody, OB-002 + anti-PD-1, or saline placebo. Treatment was given daily or every third day. Treatment with OB-0020 alone led to statistically significant delayed tumor growth at multiple time-points. An even more profound effect on the decrease in mean tumor volume was observed in combination cohort where animals received both, OB-0020 and the anti-PD-1 antibody (p>0.05).

“There is growing awareness of the role of CCR5 antagonism as an important component of cancer immunotherapy. OB-002O is an extremely potent CCR5 antagonist and we are delighted to see that OB-002O has robust efficacy alone and in combination with an anti-PD-1 antibody in the CT-26 colorectal cancer model. These data support the further preclinical and clinical development of OB-002O for colorectal cancer,” said Dr. Ian McGowan, Chief Scientific Officer for Orion Biotechnology.

Mark Groper, President and CEO of Orion Biotechnology, added, “We are delighted by these preliminary data and look forward to the later stage development of OB-002O in colorectal cancer as well as exploring the efficacy of OB-002O in other cancer models.”

About Orion Biotechnology Canada, Ltd.

Orion Biotechnology Canada Ltd, is a privately held pharmaceutical company founded on the vision of radically improving the health of the global population through successful treatment and prevention of the most serious chronic illnesses and life-threatening diseases. Since 2011, Orion has been developing a robust pipeline of potential products based on novel formulations discovered in different parts of the world. Our close ties to diverse institutions and experts around the globe continue to stimulate the rapid discovery of promising new treatments. With operations in North America, Europe and Asia, Orion brings together innovative technologies from some of the world’s leading research institutions, such as the Mintaka Research Foundation and the Center for Public Health Research at Nanjing University. Learn more at www.orionbiotechnology.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking information, which reflects Orion’s current expectations regarding future events. Forward-looking information is based on a number of assumptions and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Orion’s control, that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward-looking information. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and, except as expressly required by applicable law, Orion assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.