Update on the existing pre-clinical research collaboration agreement with a top-10 large pharma company

Oslo, December 13, 2016 – PCI Biotech (OSE: PCIB), a cancer focused biopharmaceutical company, reported today that the undisclosed top-10 pharma company has notified PCI Biotech that they intend to extend the existing research collaboration agreement, originally signed in September 2015, until the end of 2Q 2017. The aim of the extension is to further evaluate the synergistic effects of both parties’ technology platforms, to determine whether PCI Biotech’s fimaNAc technology has the potential to enhance the therapeutic effect of the partner’s nucleic acid therapeutic compounds.

The pre-clinical research agreement covers evaluation of technological compatibility and synergy based on in vitro studies. The pharma company is one of the global leaders in nucleic acid therapeutics and is responsible for funding and conducting the research. The companies will evaluate the data generated in this research collaboration and explore the potential for a further partnership based on this outcome. The extended evaluation period spans over six months, but may be further extended.

About PCI Biotech

PCI Biotech is a biopharmaceutical company focusing on development and commercialisation of novel therapies for the treatment of cancer through its innovative photochemical internalisation (PCI) technology platform. PCI is applied to three distinct anticancer paradigms: fimaCHEM (enhancement of chemotherapeutics for localised treatment of cancer), fimaVACC (T-cell induction technology for therapeutic vaccination), and fimaNAc (nucleic acid therapeutics delivery).

Photochemical internalisation induces triggered endosomal release that is used to unlock the true potential of a wide array of therapeutic modalities. The company’s lead fimaCHEM programme consists of a clinical Phase I/II clinical study in bile duct cancer, an orphan indication with a high unmet need and without approved products. fimaVACC applies a unique mode of action to enhance the essential cytotoxic effect of therapeutic cancer vaccines, which works in synergy with several other state-of-the-art vaccination technologies. fimaNAc utilises the endosomal release to provide intracellular delivery of nucleic acids, such as mRNA and siRNA therapeutics, thereby addressing one of the major bottlenecks facing this emerging and promising field.

Contact information:
PCI Biotech Holding ASA, Ullernchausséen 64, N-0379 Oslo, Norway. www.pcibiotech.com
Per Walday, CEO, pw@pcibiotech.no, Mobile: +47 917 93 429.

This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.