How would you describe your company in a single tweet?
The @CEL-SCI mission is to improve treatment of cancer and other diseases by utilizing the immune system, the body’s natural defense system. Using a rigorous, scientific, data-driven approach, we develop therapies that address medical needs.
#Headandneckcancer #oralcancer #cancerimmunotherapy
How did it all start and why?
The story begins with research conducted at the Max Planck Institute in Germany in the late 1970s which supported the theory that the immune system could help fight cancer. Maximilian de Clara, the Company’s founder, strongly believed the immune system played a vital role in fighting this disease, but he lacked the technology to convert his idea into a product. He funded early Multikine research at the Max Planck Institute in 1978, then founded CEL-SCI around the idea of Multikine in 1983 and took the Company public soon thereafter.
What have you achieved so far?
CEL-SCI’s Multikine Immunotherapy recently produced a significant 14.1% 5-year survival benefit in a landmark head and neck cancer phase three study. No safety issues were found for Multikine in the treated population. CEL-SCI plans to seek U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for Multikine immunotherapy. This request for approval is based on the demonstrated OS benefits and favorable safety profile in a study of newly diagnosed head and neck cancer patients who received Multikine as part of their standard of care. CEL-SCI believes the positive results seen in this study mark the first-ever success of a cancer immunotherapy in advanced primary head and neck cancer.
What do you plan to achieve in the next 2-3 years?
Over the next two-three years CEL-SCI hopes to secure FDA and European approval for Multikine to treat head and neck cancer. In addition, we would like to start moving Multikine into the treatment of other cancers. We already have data in cervical cancer and melanoma.
How will you use your recent funding round?
CEL-SCI will use its recent funding round to build-out the company and prepare for the commercialization of Multikine. CEL-SCI will allocate resources toward operations, particularly with strategic hires. In addition, the company is investing in its manufacturing facility and capacity for the development and distribution of Multikine. The primary focus is to gain regulatory approval for Multikine.
