2013/3/11 - University of Pennsylvania Researchers Receive Penn One Health Award for Research Initiatives in Canine Osteosarcoma with Advaxis’ ADXS-cHER2 Immunotherapy

"Dr. Paterson and I are delighted to have received the One Health Award for our work using ADXS-cHER2 to prevent metastatic disease in dogs with osteosarcoma. Phase 1 of this clinical trial is almost complete and we have been highly encouraged by the lack of adverse effects of this treatment,” commented Dr. Nicola Mason, Chair in Companion Animal Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. “It is too early to comment on the efficacy of the immunotherapy, however, we are encouraged by the data we have obtained so far and are optimistic that immunotherapies such as this one will provide safer and more effective treatment for dogs with cancer in the near future."

Under the direction of Dr. Nicola Mason, ADXS-cHER2, is being used to treat dogs suffering from bone cancer. In this trial, dogs that have undergone standard of care treatment for osteosarcoma; including limb amputation and follow up chemotherapy, and that overexpress the tumor marker HER-2/neu in their tumors, are treated with ADXS-cHER2. This immunotherapy is designed to stimulate the dog’s immune system to attack cancer cells that express the HER-2/neu marker. The goal is to elicit anti-tumor immunity and prolong survival.

Canine osteosarcoma is a leading killer of large breed dogs that causes tumors to form on long leg bones. The current standard of care is immediate amputation followed by chemotherapy, however, the cancer typically metastasizes, most commonly to the lungs, and causes death in 6-12 months in a percentage of afflicted dogs.

“The award winning research of Dr. Mason and Dr. Paterson establishes that the Advaxis platform technology can be extended to veterinary use,” commented Dr. Robert Petit, VP of Clinical Operations and Medical Affairs at Advaxis. “Data from this project will support the further development of our HER-2 targeted immunotherapy against HER-2 overexpressing malignancies in both veterinary and possibly human cancers.”

About Advaxis, Inc.

Advaxis is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing the next generation of immunotherapies for cancer and infectious diseases. Advaxis immunotherapies are based on a novel platform technology using live, attenuated bacteria that are bio-engineered to secrete antigen/adjuvant fusion protein(s) designed to redirect the powerful immune response all human beings have to the bacteriumto the cancer itself.

In April 2012, Advaxis’ lead construct, ADXS-HPV, was selected as the Best Therapeutic Vaccine (approved or in development) at the 5th Annual Vaccine Industry Excellence (ViE) Awards by the vaccine industry and the journal Expert Reviews of Vaccines. The ViE awards, sponsored by Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics, were created to recognize the accomplishments and contributions of companies and individuals in the vaccine industry over the previous 12 months. Additional information is available at the World Vaccine Congress website.

ADXS-HPV is being evaluated in 5 clinical trials for HPV-associated diseases: recurrent/refractory cervical cancer (India), locally advanced cervical cancer (GOG/NCI US study, Clinical Trials.gov Identifier NCT01266460), CIN 2/3 (US study, Clinical Trials.gov Identifier NCT01116245), head & neckcancer (CRUK study, Clinical Trials.gov Identifier NCT01598792), and anal cancer (BrUOG study, Clinical Trial.gov Identifier NCT01671488). Over fifteen (15) distinct constructs are in various stages of development, developed directly by the Company and through strategic collaborations with recognized centers of excellence such as: the National Cancer Institute, Cancer Research – UK, the Wistar Institute, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of British Columbia, the Karolinska Institutet, Brown University Oncology Group, and others. For more information please visit: advaxis.com | Facebook | twitter | LinkedIn

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to: statements as to the anticipated timing of clinical studies and other business developments, statements as to the development of new constructs, expectations as to the adequacy of our cash balances to support our operations for specified periods of time and as to the nature and level of cash expenditures, expectations as to market opportunities, our ability to take advantage of those opportunities, and the risk factors set forth from time to time in Advaxis' SEC filings, including but not limited to its report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2012, which is available at www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release the result of any revision to these forward-looking statements which may be made to reflect the events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements.

Advaxis, Inc.
Diana Moore, 609-452-9814
Director, Investor Relations & Business Development
ir@advaxis.com