UCLB News

Fortress Biotech presents positive data from phase 1/2 study

24 May 2016

Fortress Biotech has announced positive data from its phase I/II study of CNDO-109- activated allogeneic natural killercells  in acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Originally developed in the laboratory of Professor Mark Lowdell from the UCL Department of Haematology,biopharmaceutical company Fortress Biotech obtained exclusive worldwide rights from UCL Business PLC to develop and commercialise CNDO-109, a lysate (disrupted CTV-1 cells, cell membrane fragments, cell proteins and other cellular components) that activates donor NK cells ex vivo.

AML is a cancer of the myeloid line of blood cells characterised by the rapid growth of abnormal white blood cells. Once diagnosed with AML, patients typically receive induction and consolidation chemotherapy, with the majority achieving complete remission. However, roughly 70 to 80 per cent of patients who first complete remission will relapse, and the overall five-year survival rate is less than 25 per cent.

With three high-risk patients treated at the higher dose units having remained in complete remission for two years, data suggest that CNDO-109-activated allogeneic natural killer cells are safe and well-tolerated, and capable of extending complete remissions in high-risk acute myeloid leukemia patients.

About Fortress Biotech
Fortress Biotech, Inc. (“Fortress” or “the Company”) is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to acquiring, developing and commercializing novel pharmaceutical and biotechnology products. Fortress plans to develop and commercialize products both within Fortress and through subsidiary companies, also known as Fortress Companies. In addition to its internal development programs, the Company will leverage its biopharmaceutical business expertise and drug development capabilities to help the Fortress Companies achieve their goals. Additionally, the Company will provide funding and management services to each of the Fortress Companies and, from time to time, the Company and the Fortress Companies will seek licensing, acquisitions, partnerships, joint ventures and/or public and private financings to accelerate and provide additional funding to support their research and development programs.

For more information, visit: www.fortressbiotech.com

About UCL Business PLC
UCL Business PLC (UCLB) is a leading technology transfer company that supports and commercialises research and innovations arising from UCL, one of the UK’s top research-led universities. UCLB has a successful track record and a strong reputation for identifying and protecting promising new technologies and innovations from UCL academics. UCLB has a strong track record in commercialising medical technologies and provides technology transfer services to UCL’s associated hospitals; University College London Hospitals, Moorfields Eye Hospital, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children and the Royal Free London Hospital. It invests directly in development projects to maximise the potential of the research and manages the commercialisation process of technologies from laboratory to market.

For further information, please visit: www.uclb.com – Twitter: @UCL_Business