Promising Treatment of Challenging Pediatric Brain Stem Tumor, DIPG, with Alcyone AMC Precision Delivery of Oncolytic Adenovirus

LOWELL, Mass., July 3, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Alcyone Lifesciences, Inc., a leader in transforming Disease Modifying Therapies for CNS through Advanced Precision Delivery Platforms, announced encouraging progress by investigators at the Clínica Universidad de Navarra regarding the Alcyone MEMS Cannula (AMC) precision delivery of an oncolytic adenovirus in a small series of patients with a pediatric brain stem tumor, diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG).

DIPG is a highly aggressive, infiltrative tumor of the brainstem that typically affects children aged 4-11 years.  There is no effective treatment, and due to the very challenging anatomical location of the tumor, surgical resection is often not possible, and effective intratumoral drug infusion can be challenging.

Neurosurgeon and principal investigator, Sonia Tejada, MD, PhD, presented promising data from their ongoing trial of successful targeted brain stem delivery with the Alcyone AMC of the oncolytic virus (tasadenoturev) at the Biennial International Symposium for Pediatric Neuro-Oncology (ISPNO) being held June 29 – July 3, 2018 in Denver, CO.  Dr. Tejada reported that the oncolytic virus has been administered safely with the Alcyone AMC to the pons in the brainstem of pediatric patients prior to radiotherapy, with minimal side effects.

"With technical support from Alcyone, Ricardo Diez Valle, MD, PhD, and our neurosurgical team have been able to consistently and safely use the AMC for precision delivery of the oncolytic adenovirus in very difficult to reach brain stem tumors in six pediatric DIPG patients with no observed grade 3 or 4 adverse events.  We were pleased to be able to present these early, but promising data at the ISPNO meeting," said Sonia Tejada, MD, PhD.

"The safe and precise delivery of oncolytic adenovirus with the AMC directly into the pontine glioma shows great potential in enabling the treatment of these pediatric patients, who until now have had no viable options.  Drs. Tejada and Diez Valle are true pioneers and we are honored to support their groundbreaking work," said PJ Anand, CEO of Alcyone Lifesciences.

About Alcyone's MEMS Cannula (AMC) Targeted Delivery System:
The Alcyone MEMS Cannula (AMCTM) Targeted Delivery System was developed using the company's proprietary microelectromechanical system (MEMS) technology platform.  The MEMS tip which has dual micro-channels, the AMC features a unique patented distal end design that helps prevent reflux or back flow along the cannula shaft, which can be a significant drawback with current devices.  The AMC platform device is designed for optimal targeted bio-distribution and neurosurgeon's ease of use.  The AMC can be utilized with any existing commercial imaging and stereotactic system in conjunction with the work-flow friendly clinical use guideline designed by the company's scientists and neurosurgery advisors.  Neurosurgeons can select a target, navigate the AMC precisely to the target, and observe in real-time the precision delivery of the therapeutic agent, all under intra-procedural MRI guidance.

About Alcyone Lifesciences, Inc.
Alcyone Lifesciences, based in Lowell, Massachusetts, is a privately-held therapeutic device company and a leader in transforming disease modifying therapies for rare and orphan disorders through Advanced Precision Delivery Platform.  For more information, please visit www.alcyonels.com

Contact
Alcyone Life Sciences, Inc. 
PJ Anand 
Chief Executive Officer 
978-709-1946 
[email protected]

SOURCE Alcyone Lifesciences, Inc.

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