Genesis Biopharma and Lonza Partner to Develop Contego™

LOS ANGELES, July 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Genesis Biopharma, Inc. (OTC.BB:GNBP), a biotechnology company developing targeted cancer therapies, and Lonza (SIX: LONN), today announced the signing of a process development and scale-up agreement relating to the manufacture of Contego™, Genesis Biopharma's autologous cell therapy product candidate for the treatment of Stage IV metastatic melanoma.

Contego™ is a ready-to-infuse cell therapy based on currently available therapies at the National Cancer Institute, MD Anderson Cancer Center, and the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer & Research Institute.  "We are pleased to have such an experienced bioprocess development and manufacturing partner as Lonza," stated Mr. Anthony J. Cataldo, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Genesis Biopharma.  

"Lonza is pleased to be in partnership with Genesis Biopharma, and to bring expertise in large-scale autologous cell therapy production to the task of making Contego™ widely available to patients suffering from metastatic melanoma," said David Smith, Head of Therapeutic Cell Solutions at Lonza.

About Genesis Biopharma, Inc.

Genesis Biopharma, Inc. is a development-stage biotechnology company engaged in the development of targeted cancer therapies.  For more information about the company, visit www.genesis-biopharma.com.

About Lonza

Lonza is one of the world's leading suppliers to the pharmaceutical, healthcare and life science industries. Products and services span its customers' needs from research to final product manufacture. It is the global leader in the production and support of active pharmaceutical ingredients both chemically as well as biotechnologically. Biopharmaceuticals are one of the key growth drivers of the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Lonza has strong capabilities in large and small molecules, peptides, amino acids and niche bioproducts which play an important role in the development of novel medicines and healthcare products. In addition, Lonza is a leader in cell-based research, endotoxin detection and cell therapy manufacturing. Furthermore, the company is a leading provider of value chemical and biotech ingredients to the nutrition, hygiene, preservation, agro and personal care markets.

Lonza is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland and is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange. In 2010, the company had sales of CHF 2.680 billion. Further information can be found at www.lonza.com.

SOURCE Genesis Biopharma, Inc.