OncoSec and Serametrix Collaborate to Identify Potential Biomarkers to Enhance Skin Cancer Immune Therapies

SAN DIEGO, Nov. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- OncoSec Medical Incorporated (OTCBB: ONCS), which is developing its advanced-stage OMS ElectroOncology therapies to treat solid tumor cancers, today announced it has entered into a collaborative research agreement with Serametrix Corporation to analyze subjects in three OncoSec Phase II clinical trials treating melanoma, Merkel cell carcinoma and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma with the goal of identifying biomarkers that may refine and enhance the selection of patients potentially responsive to these treatments. Terms of the final agreement have not been released.

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The advancement of biomarkers able to display the presence of or change in a biological response such as a protein related to a specific disease has been invaluable in improving patient outcomes in the multi-billion-dollar commercial success of multiple medical therapies. Unfortunately, the discovery of biomarkers in the field of cancer immunotherapy has been elusive. Serametrix has been leading the field in developing validated tests to identify such biomarkers, providing simple and robust methods that deliver accurate and reliable results. Using Serametrix's proprietary Seromic™ Profiling Assay, samples of blood taken from patients in OncoSec's three clinical studies will be analyzed with the goal of detecting potential predictive biomarkers and provide an understanding of the broad humoral (antibody) anti-tumor response resulting from OncoSec's immune therapy using DNA IL-12 and electroporation. Identification of a new biomarker(s) may enable the optimal selection of patients most likely to respond to OncoSec's OMS ElectroImmunotherapy.

"Effective immune monitoring is vital in the clinical development of cancer immunotherapies," said Henry Hepburne-Scott, Ph.D., Vice President, Business Development for Serametrix Corporation. "Serum antibodies to our panels of tumor antigens have proved valuable for predicting and monitoring patient responses to existing cancer therapies and we are delighted to be working with OncoSec on their exciting pipeline of novel therapies."  

Dr. Adil Daud, principal investigator at the University of California San Francisco for OncoSec's upcoming melanoma clinical trial, said, "A critical issue in cancer immunotherapy trials is patient selection. Given the complexity of the immune response in cancer, it has been difficult to pinpoint the most appropriate biomarker. This partnership offers an opportunity to develop a biomarker complementary to the clinical activity for DNA IL-12 electroporation."

"By combining OncoSec's OMS ElectroImmunotherapy with Serametrix's best-in-class immunoassays, this collaboration places OncoSec at the forefront of immunologic assessment supporting the application of immunotherapies," said Punit Dhillon, President and CEO of OncoSec. "We aim to define parameters that may ultimately facilitate improved disease outcomes after OMS ElectroImmunotherapy treatment. This accomplishment may also help us accelerate product development."

About Serametrix Corp.

Serametrix technology measures patients' humoral and cellular immunity to proprietary panels of tumor antigens. These assays enable discovery and validation of biomarkers that have utility in drug development and clinical applications. For example, monitoring patient reactivity to key antigen panels can provide valuable insight into the effects of drugs on anti-cancer immunity. By combining the knowledge base of best-in-class researchers and clinicians, Serametrix is able to provide a more rational approach to patient treatment.

About OncoSec Medical Inc.

OncoSec Medical Incorporated (OTCBB: ONCS) develops novel OMS ElectroOncology therapies that combine its proprietary electroporation delivery technology with a chemotherapeutic or novel DNA-based immunotherapeutics. Targeted local delivery of these agents is designed to achieve selective destruction of cancerous tumors while sparing healthy normal tissue, resulting in improved functional, cosmetic and quality of life outcomes. These therapies have achieved validating safety and efficacy data in early and late stage clinical studies of over 400 cancer patients. OncoSec's clinical programs include three Phase II clinical trials for OMS ElectroImmunotherapy™. More information is available at www.oncosec.com. Additional information may also be found at OncoSec's Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn sites.

This press release contains forward looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements in this release that are not historical facts may be considered such "forward looking statements." Forward looking statements are based on management's current preliminary expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties which may cause our results to differ materially and adversely from the statements contained herein. Some of the potential risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those predicted include our ability to raise additional funding, our ability to acquire, develop or commercialize new products, uncertainties inherent in pre-clinical studies and clinical trials, unexpected new data, safety and technical issues, competition and market conditions. These and additional risks and uncertainties are more fully described in OncoSec's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Undue reliance should not be placed on forward looking statements which speak only as of the date they are made. OncoSec disclaims any obligation to update any forward looking statements to reflect new information, events or circumstances after the date they are made, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

SOURCE OncoSec Medical Incorporated