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Cision Canada
07-05-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
BioVaxys and Sona Nanotech Enter Research Collaboration
VANCOUVER, BC and HALIFAX, NS, May 7, 2025 /CNW/ -- BioVaxys Technology Corp. (CSE: BIOV) (FRA: 5LB) (OTCQB: BVAXF) (" BioVaxys") and Sona Nanotech Inc. (CSE: SONA) (OTC: SNANF) (" Sona") announce today that they have entered into a Research Agreement ("Agreement") to collaborate on the development of new cancer therapeutics based on BioVaxys' DPX™ Immune Educating Platform ("DPX") in combination with Sona's Targeted Hyperthermia Therapy™ ("THT"), a photothermal cancer therapy that uses highly targeted infrared light to treat solid tumors. The heat for THT is delivered to tumors using infrared light that is absorbed by Sona's proprietary biocompatible Gold Nanorod ("GNR") technology which elicits a strong immune response. Carman Giacomantonio, MD, Chief Medical Officer ("CMO") for Sona Nanotech Inc., commented, "Looking beyond our approaching first-in-human Early Feasibility Study clinical trial for our THT cancer therapy, Sona continues to conduct research to build our pipeline of programs to fully exploit the potential of our GNR technology platform. To that end, we're pleased to enter this research collaboration with BioVaxys whose DPX technology provides a unique delivery system that better presents antigens to the immune system. We believe that DPX, with its immune stimulating properties and antigen presentation capabilities, could be an ideal carrier for the neo-antigens that Sona's THT enables, thereby accelerating THT's efficacy and so we look forward to working with the BioVaxys team to quickly assess the potential for technology synergies." " We are very pleased to have the opportunity to evaluate synergies between our DPX platform and Sona's THT and GNR technologies, as our collaboration is ideal for advancing the highly promising applications of our respective technologies," says Kenneth Kovan, President and Chief Operating Officer at BioVaxys. " With Sona's exciting study data and the clinical trial data we have with DPX it's conceivable that our collaboration could lead to a new and even better treatment for immunotherapy-resistant solid tumors." The collaboration between BioVaxys and Sona will evaluate the immune stimulatory properties of DPX (without an antigen cargo) administered together with THT, as a characteristic of DPX is that it helps prime the innate immune system which in turn can activate and strengthen the adaptive immune response. The collaboration will also evaluate the combination use of THT together with a DPX formulation as a carrier for novel neoantigens expressed on the surface of tumor cells following immunotherapy, such as with THT. Neoantigens are unique proteins that are not present in healthy tissues that arise from changes in cancer cells and play a crucial role in stimulating anti-tumor immune response. Immunotherapy such as THT can trigger these tumor cell changes and the expression of neoantigens, so packaging a tumor neoantigen in DPX for presentation to the immune system is anticipated to accelerate THT's efficacy. The research studies based on the BioVaxys and Sona technologies will be conducted at Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, under the direction of Sona's CMO, Carman Giacomantonio, MD MSc FRCSC, Division of General and Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, and Barry Kennedy, PhD, of the Giacomantonio Immuno-Oncology Research Group at Dalhousie University (the "Principal Investigators"). Each company will contribute their respective technologies for the study with the research costs covered by the Giacomantonio Immuno-Oncology Research Group. Any novel candidate therapeutic developed in this program will be co-owned and co-prosecuted by BioVaxys and Sona, with the parties planning to enter into a commercialization agreement for a vaccine clinical candidate prior to the initiation of any Phase 1 study. Sona's current focus for advanced biomedical applications using its biocompatible GNR platform technology with its THT therapy aims to shrink cancerous tumors for certain solid cancers and in so doing trigger a systematic immune response to eliminate both treated and distant, untreated metastases. Sona's GNRs are uniquely manufactured without the use of CTAB (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide), eliminating the toxicity risks associated with the use of other GNR technologies in medical applications. In a preclinical study presented at the 19th International Canadian Melanoma Conference in Vancouver this past February, Sona's research team confirmed that its GNR-based THT causes cancer-specific cell death that activates a strong immune response by the body's immune system. Of critical importance is evidence that the immunity generated by Sona's THT is observed in cancers that are known to be resistant to modern immunotherapies. Using an industry standard, immunotherapy resistant, CT-26 colon cancer model, Sona's THT -activated systemic immunity that, when followed by previously ineffective PD-1 inhibition, demonstrated a 100% response rate in these previously resistant tumors. These findings were published in Frontiers in Immunology and repeated in industry standard preclinical breast cancer and melanoma models. BioVaxys' DPX™ technology is a patented delivery platform that can incorporate a range of bioactive molecules, such as mRNA/polynucleotides, peptides/proteins, virus-like particles, and small molecules, to produce targeted, long-lasting immune responses enabled by various formulated components. The DPX platform, which is non-aqueous and non-systemic, facilitates antigen delivery to regional lymph nodes and has been demonstrated to induce robust and durable T cell and B cell responses in pre-clinical and clinical studies for both cancer and infectious disease. The DPX platform has been proven in multiple Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical studies across a range of different antigens in oncology and infectious disease applications, and has demonstrated excellent safety and tolerability. A study conducted by Hakimeh Ebrahimi-Nik, DVM, PhD, of The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center and Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, and presented December by BioVaxys at the Personalized Cancer Vaccine Summit in Boston, compared the immune-stimulating properties of the most commonly used vaccine adjuvants that are frequently given together with cancer immunotherapies to boost their efficacy, against DPX antigen formulations as well as DPX administered just on its own. The DPX formulations were shown to be more effective than any of the popular adjuvants, as effective as the gold standard---bone marrow-derived dendritic cells---and DPX on its own appeared to have meaningful immune stimulating properties. About BioVaxys Technology Corp. BioVaxys Technology Corp. ( is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to improving patient lives with novel immunotherapies based on its DPX™ immune-educating technology platform and its HapTenix© 'neoantigen' tumor cell construct platform, for treating cancers, infectious disease, antigen desensitization for food allergy, and other immunological diseases. Through a differentiated mechanism of action, the DPX™ platform delivers instruction to the immune system to generate a specific, robust, and persistent immune response. The Company's clinical stage pipeline includes maveropepimut-S (MVP-S), based on the DPX™ platform, and is in Phase IIB clinical development for advanced Relapsed-Refractory Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) and platinum resistant Ovarian Cancer. MVP-S delivers antigenic peptides from survivin, a well-recognized cancer antigen commonly overexpressed in advanced cancers, and also delivers an innate immune activator and a universal CD4 T cell helper peptide. MVP-S has been well tolerated and has demonstrated defined clinical benefit in multiple cancer indications as well as the activation of a targeted and sustained, survivin-specific anti-tumor immune response. BioVaxys is also developing DPX™+SurMAGE, a dual-targeted immunotherapy combining antigenic peptides for both the survivin and MAGE-A9 cancer proteins to elicit immune responses to these two distinct cancer antigens simultaneously, DPX™-RSV for Respiratory Syncytial Virus, DPX+rPA for peanut allergy prophylaxis, and BVX-0918, a personalized immunotherapeutic vaccine using its proprietary HapTenix© 'neoantigen' tumor cell construct platform for refractive late-stage ovarian cancer. BioVaxys common shares are listed on the CSE under the stock symbol 'BIOV', trade on the Frankfurt Bourse (FRA: 5LB), and in the US (OTCQB: BVAXF). For more information, visit and connect with us on X and LinkedIn. BIOVAXYS TECHNOLOGY CORP. CONTACT: James Passin, CEO Phone: +1 740 358 0555 About Sona Nanotech Inc. Sona Nanotech is developing Targeted Hyperthermia™, a photothermal cancer therapy, which uses therapeutic heat to treat solid cancer tumors. The heat is delivered to tumors by infrared light that is absorbed by Sona's gold nanorods in the tumor and re-emitted as heat. Therapeutic heat (42-48°C) stimulates the immune system, shrinks tumors, inactivates cancer stem cells, and increases tumor perfusion - thus enabling drugs to reach all tumor compartments more effectively. Targeted Hyperthermia promises to be safe, effective, minimally invasive, competitive in cost, and a valuable adjunct to drug therapy and other cancer treatments. Sona has developed multiple proprietary methods for the manufacture of gold nanoparticles which it uses for the development of both cancer therapies and diagnostic testing platforms. Sona Nanotech's gold nanorod particles are cetyltrimethylammonium ("CTAB") free, eliminating the toxicity risks associated with the use of other gold nanorod technologies in medical applications. SONA NANOTECH, INC. CONTACT: Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking Information This press release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation including the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, without limitation, statements relating the future operating or financial performance of the Company, are forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or "should" occur or be achieved, and include statements about the potential benefits of combining the technologies of each company and the potential for future clinical studies. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates, primarily the assumption that BioVaxys and Sona will be successful in developing and testing vaccines, that, while considered reasonable by the Companies, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies including, primarily but without limitation, the risk that BioVaxys' or Sona's vaccines will not prove to be effective and/ or will not receive the required regulatory approvals. With regards to BioVaxys' and Sona's respective businesses, there are a number of risks that could affect the development of their biotechnology products, including, without limitation, the need for additional capital to fund clinical trials, their lack of operating history, uncertainty about whether their products will complete the long, complex and expensive clinical trial and regulatory approval process for approval of new drugs necessary for marketing approval, uncertainty about whether BioVaxys' autologous cell vaccine immunotherapy can be developed to produce safe and effective products and, if so, whether its vaccine products will be commercially accepted and profitable, the expenses, delays and uncertainties and complications typically encountered by development stage biopharmaceutical businesses, financial and development obligations under license arrangements in order to protect its rights to its products and technologies, obtaining and protecting new intellectual property rights and avoiding infringement to third parties and their dependence on manufacturing by third parties. The parties do not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.
Globe and Mail
01-05-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Sona Nanotech Announces Annual Options Grants
Halifax, Nova Scotia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 1, 2025) - Sona Nanotech Inc. (CSE: SONA), (OTCQB: SNANF) (the "Company" or "Sona") announces that it has granted 2,135,000 incentive stock options under the Company's Stock Option Plan ("Option Plan") of which 1,855,0000 have been granted to Directors and Officers. Each option is exercisable into one common share at a price of $0.30 per share and will vest at the rate of 25% every six months. The options will expire five years from the date of grant. All other terms and conditions of the options are in accordance with the terms of the Company's Stock Option Plan. Sona CEO, David Regan, commented, " These options include the annual compensation for our directors, who do not receive any cash compensation, and incentive options for our team providing for strong alignment with shareholder's interests. The Company continues to steward investor capital efficiently while making strong progress towards advancing Sona's novel THT cancer treatment towards the clinic. The entire Sona team is engaged and excited as we near the opportunity to showcase THT in a first-in-human clinical trial with initial read-outs expected this summer." About Sona Nanotech Inc. Sona Nanotech is developing Targeted Hyperthermia™, a photothermal cancer therapy, which uses therapeutic heat to treat solid cancer tumors. The heat is delivered to tumors by infrared light that is absorbed by Sona's gold nanorods in the tumor and re-emitted as heat. Therapeutic heat (42-48°C) stimulates the immune system, shrinks tumors, inactivates cancer stem cells, and increases tumor perfusion - thus enabling drugs to reach all tumor compartments more effectively. Targeted Hyperthermia promises to be safe, effective, minimally invasive, competitive in cost, and a valuable adjunct to drug therapy and other cancer treatments. Sona has developed multiple proprietary methods for the manufacture of gold nanoparticles which it uses for the development of both cancer therapies and diagnostic testing platforms. Sona Nanotech's gold nanorod particles are cetyltrimethylammonium ("CTAB") free, eliminating the toxicity risks associated with the use of other gold nanorod technologies in medical applications. CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: This press release includes certain "forward-looking statements" under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including statements regarding the anticipated applications and potential opportunities of Targeted Hyperthermia Therapy, and Sona's preclinical and clinical study plans. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions or estimates that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including the risk that Sona may not be able to successfully obtain sufficient clinical and other data to submit regulatory submissions, raise sufficient additional capital, secure patents or develop the envisioned therapy, and the risk that THT may not prove to have the benefits currently anticipated. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Sona disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
CVRx announces new real-world evidence demonstrating significant reductions in healthcare utilization with Barostim
New real-world evidence presented at THT 2025 and published simultaneously in the Journal of Cardiac Failure (JCF) demonstrates large and statistically significant reductions in hospital visits and length of stay in patients with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction MINNEAPOLIS, Feb. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CVRx, Inc. (NASDAQ: CVRX) ('CVRx'), a commercial-stage medical device company, announced today the presentation of new real-world evidence at the Technology and Heart Failure Therapeutics (THT) conference in Boston. The study demonstrated large and statistically significant reductions in hospital visits (hospitalizations and emergency department visits) and length of stay after Barostim implantation, compared to before. The research was published simultaneously and is available now in the Journal of Cardiac Failure. 'Despite contemporary medications, the clinical and economic burden of heart failure remains unacceptably high. This new study showing significant reductions in real-world healthcare utilization associated with the Barostim implant is critically important for clinicians and payers when considering this device for their patients,' said Jacob Abraham, MD, Section Head of Advanced Heart Failure at Providence Heart Institute in Portland, Ore. 'While we know Barostim plus medications demonstrates long-term improvements in symptoms and quality of life, we now have compelling real-world evidence supporting a significant reduction in healthcare utilization as well.' This analysis was performed using data from the Premier Healthcare Database, a large all-payer database including data from more than 1,300 institutions. Three hundred and six (306) Barostim patients were identified in the data set. Comparisons were performed for the 12 months prior to Barostim implant and for an average of almost two years post-implant (1.92±1.87 years). Length of stay was found to be significantly reduced. Hospital visits (hospitalizations and emergency department visits) were categorized as all-cause, cardiovascular, and heart failure related. The analysis found: 86% reduction in all-cause hospital visits (p<0.0001) 84% reduction in cardiovascular hospital visits (p<0.0001) 85% reduction in heart-failure hospital visits (p<0.0001) 'Congratulations to Dr. Jacob Abraham and co-authors for this important real-world analysis demonstrating remarkable reductions in healthcare utilization with Barostim,' said Dr. Philip Adamson, Chief Medical Officer of CVRx. 'We believe this study adds to the growing and consistent body of evidence supporting the clinical utility of Barostim. This is another example of our commitment to further develop and disseminate a strong pipeline of clinical and economic data supporting the many benefits of this therapy.' About CVRx, is focused on the development and commercialization of the Barostim™ System, the first medical technology approved by FDA that uses neuromodulation to improve the symptoms of heart failure. Barostim is an implantable device that delivers electrical pulses to baroreceptors located in the wall of the carotid artery. Baroreceptors activate the body's baroreflex, which in turn triggers an autonomic response to the heart. The therapy is designed to restore balance to the autonomic nervous system and thereby reduce the symptoms of heart failure. Barostim received the FDA Breakthrough Device designation and is FDA-approved for use in heart failure patients in the U.S. It has also received the CE Mark for heart failure and resistant hypertension in the European Economic Area. To learn more about Barostim, visit Media Contact:Emily Meyers651.338.6204emeyers@ Investor Contact:Mark Klausner or Mike VallieICR Healthcare443.213.0501ir@ in to access your portfolio
