SILVER SPRING, Md., Oct. 6, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nuvilex, Inc. (OTCQB:NVLX), a clinical-stage biotechnology company providing cell therapy solutions for the treatment of diseases, announced today that noted European gastroenterologist and oncologist Dr. Matthias Löhr has agreed to serve as Chairman of Nuvilex's newly formed Scientific Advisory Board.
Dr. Löhr has been a full professor of gastroenterology and hepatology at the famed Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, since 2007. He has served as Professor of Molecular Gastroenterology at the University of Heidelberg and was the Head of the Molecular Gastroenterology Unit at the German Cancer Research Center. Dr. Löhr has also worked as a translational scientist and Principal Investigator in clinical studies in gastrointestinal oncology for many years and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Scripps Clinic & Research Foundation in La Jolla, California. After receiving his M.D. degree, Dr. Löhr served a residency in pathology and a residency in internal medicine and gastroenterology in Erlangen and Rostock in Germany, where he also served as an Assistant Professor.
"It is my firm belief the Cell-in-a-Box® technology will prove to be of great value for the development of treatments for pancreatic and other cancers, and its possible role in a treatment for insulin-dependent diabetes is particularly intriguing. It is a pleasure to chair Nuvilex's Scientific Advisory Board. I look forward to working with the Nuvilex team to help bring this important technology to fruition," commented Dr. Löhr.
Dr. Löhr served as Principal Investigator for the Phase 1/2 and Phase 2 clinical trials of Nuvilex's pancreatic cancer treatment that were completed in the early 2000s. Not only is he familiar with the Cell-in-a-Box® live cell encapsulation technology that forms the core of Nuvilex's pancreatic cancer treatment, but he has actually used Nuvilex's treatment (the combination of Cell-in-a-Box® capsules with low doses of the anticancer drug ifosfamide) in clinical trials in patients with advanced, inoperable pancreatic cancer. Dr. Löhr previously agreed to serve as a consultant to Nuvilex in connection with its development of treatments for pancreatic cancer and diabetes based on the Cell-in-a-Box® technology. He has expertise in the treatment of both diseases in addition to thoroughly understanding the Cell-in-a-Box® technology and its use in a clinical setting.
Nuvilex's CEO and President, Kenneth L. Waggoner, commented, "We are extremely pleased that Dr. Löhr, one of Europe's leading gastroenterologists and oncologists, has agreed to serve as Chairman of our Scientific Advisory Board. Dr. Löhr's knowledge of the Cell-in-a-Box® technology and his experience in using Nuvilex's pancreatic cancer treatment in the clinic make him the ideal choice for this appointment. This belief is bolstered by the fact that Dr. Löhr is an expert in pancreatic cancer and has a keen interest and experience in the treatment of diabetes – both key areas of development for Nuvilex."
About Nuvilex
Nuvilex (OTCQB:NVLX) is a clinical stage biotechnology company focused on developing and preparing to commercialize treatments for cancer and diabetes based upon a proprietary cellulose-based live cell encapsulation technology known as Cell-in-a-Box®. This unique and patented technology will be used as a platform upon which treatments for several types of cancer, including advanced, inoperable pancreatic cancer, and diabetes are being built. Nuvilex's treatment for pancreatic cancer involves low doses of the well-known anticancer prodrug ifosfamide, together with encapsulated live cells, which convert ifosfamide into its active or "cancer-killing" form. In concert with these efforts, Nuvilex is working towards improving the quality of life for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer and on treatments for other cancers. In addition, Nuvilex is developing cancer treatments based upon chemical constituents of marijuana known as cannabinoids. To do so, Nuvilex is examining ways to exploit the benefits of the Cell-in-a-Box® technology in optimizing the anticancer effectiveness of cannabinoids, while minimizing or outright eliminating the debilitating side effects usually associated with cancer treatments. This provides Nuvilex a unique opportunity to develop "green" approaches to fighting deadly cancers, such as those of the pancreas, brain and breast that affect hundreds of thousands of individuals worldwide every year.
Safe Harbor
This press release may contain forward-looking statements regarding Nuvilex and its future events and results that involve inherent risks and uncertainties. The words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "plan" and similar expressions, as they relate to Nuvilex or its management, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Important factors, many of which are beyond the control of Nuvilex, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements include Nuvilex's ability to continue as a going concern, delays or unsuccessful results in clinical trials or flaws or defects regarding its product candidates, changes in relevant legislation or regulatory requirements, uncertainty of protection of Nuvilex's intellectual property and Nuvilex's continued ability to raise capital. Nuvilex does not assume any obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements.
More information about Nuvilex can be found at www.nuvilex.com. It can also be obtained by contacting Investor Relations.