BioPharmX Studies Suggest its Violet® Iodine Formulation Inhibits Growth of Both FBC and Common Breast Cancer Cells in vitro

MENLO PARK, Calif., Oct. 26, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- BioPharmX Corporation (NYSE MKT: BPMX), a specialty pharmaceutical company, announced that it has – for the first time – elucidated the mechanism of action (MOA) of molecular iodine (I₂) on fibrocystic breast condition (FBC) cells. The same research conducted with breast cancer cell lines indicated that the company's proprietary I₂ formulation, which is similar to Violet^®, may also be effective in the most common breast cancers.

The company's two in vitro studies, conducted on human mammary epithelial cells derived from FBC (MCF10A) cells, common breast cancer cell lines (MCF7, a Luminal A subtype, and MDA-MB231, a triple-negative subtype), and primary human breast epithelial cells, found BioPharmX's iodine formulation has an apoptotic effect on both the FBC and cancer cells.

Study data indicate that I₂ induces cell death via activation of a caspase-dependent apoptotic pathway. It also showed that I₂ had a potent inhibitory effect on cell growth and increase in cell death in MCF10A, MCF7 and MDA-MB231 cells. In contrast, there was no significant effect on normal cells.

Cancer cell lines used in the study were selected because previously published research suggests that Luminal A and triple-negative breast cancers represent up to 90 percent of all breast cancers. 

The BioPharmX study is the first to describe the mechanism of action of I₂ in FBC-derived cells. It also supports the therapeutic benefit of I₂ that researchers have suggested may exist for breast cancer.

"Multiple studies have suggested that women coping with FBC benefit from treatment with molecular iodine," said Kin F. Chan, executive vice president of research and technology at BioPharmX. "What is exciting about this in vitro research is that it shows us that I₂ works by inhibition of cell proliferation and promotion of cell death. The results also suggest that I₂ may have similar beneficial effects on some types of breast cancer."

BioPharmX is committed to enhancing the efficacy of medical therapies by finding new ways to deliver proven medicines more effectively.  The company is primarily focused on the development of novel dermatology products, but this core focus has serendipitously led to Violet^®, a commercial formulation of I₂, and a prescription strength formulation, BPX-03, both with unique delivery mechanisms that deliver I₂ to the breast tissue. Prior to the BioPharmX formulations, I₂ was not commercially available because it is highly unstable, which means it loses its useful properties prior to having the desired biological result.

About BioPharmX® Corporation
BioPharmX Corporation (NYSE MKT: BPMX) is a Silicon Valley-based specialty pharmaceutical company that seeks to provide products through proprietary platform technologies for prescription, over-the-counter and supplement applications in dermatology and women's health. To learn more about BioPharmX, visit www.BioPharmX.com.          

Forward-Looking Statement
The information in this press release contains forward-looking statements and information within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are subject to the "safe harbor" created by those sections. This press release contains forward-looking statements about the company's expectations, plans, intentions and strategies, including, but not limited to, statements regarding: the effects I₂ may have on breast cancer, the apoptotic effect of I₂, the lack of effect of I₂ on cancer-free cells, our ability to deliver I₂ as a product that may treat or relieve the symptoms of breast cancer, and any future commercial development of I₂. These forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as "plan", "expect," "anticipate," "believe," or similar expressions that are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions, which, if they do not fully materialize or prove incorrect, could cause our results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to the sufficiency of our resources and our ability to raise additional capital to continue our development programs, our ability to successful develop and commercialize potential product candidates, as well as other risk and uncertainties associated with the process of discovering, developing and commercializing drug candidates that are safe and effective for use as human therapeutics. The risks and uncertainties include those described in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2016 and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Given these risks and uncertainties, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this news release are made only as of the date hereof and the company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.

BioPharmX and Violet are registered trademarks of BioPharmX, Inc.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150711/235327LOGO

SOURCE BioPharmX Corporation

Related Links

http://www.biopharmx.com