CELLCEUTIX
BEVERLY, MA--(Marketwired - Jun 23, 2014) - Cellceutix Corporation (
The SBIR grant is for up to $1.5 million over two years and research will be directed at developing the Cellceutix technology platform on host defense protein (HDP) mimics for treatment of disseminated fungal infections, particularly those caused by Candida species.
"This grant to research our novel compounds dovetails with our strategy to partner with leading organizations and universities in the development of new therapeutic agents for some of the most difficult to treat fungal and bacterial infections," commented Leo Ehrlich, Chief Executive Officer at Cellceutix. "Candida infections were recently named in the final rule of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's list of qualifying pathogens under the Generating Antibiotic Incentives Now Act. We clearly see the potential and value of new drugs for Candida infections and are very pleased that the funding is now in place for FCCDC to conduct studies on our compounds in this area."
About Fox Chase Chemical Diversity Center, Inc.
Fox Chase Chemical Diversity Center, Inc. (FCCDC) provides medicinal chemistry, target validation, in vitro pharmacology and chemical biology support to investigators at universities, and non-profit research organizations and foundations. Our goal is to transition innovative biomedical research technologies into full-fledged drug discovery and development programs of study. FCCDC has submitted more than 3,000 small molecule test compound in support of collaboration and company projects, advancing biomedical research.
About Cellceutix:
Headquartered in Beverly, Massachusetts, Cellceutix is a publicly traded company under the symbol "CTIX". Cellceutix is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing innovative therapies in oncology, dermatology and antibiotic applications. Cellceutix believes it has a world-class portfolio of compounds and is now engaged in advancing its compounds and seeking strategic partnerships. Cellceutix's anti-cancer drug Kevetrin is currently in a Phase 1 clinical trial at Harvard Cancer Centers' Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. In the laboratory Kevetrin has shown to induce activation of p53, often referred to as the "Guardian Angel Gene" due to its crucial role in controlling cell mutations. Cellceutix is planning a Phase 2 clinical trial with its novel compound Brilacidin-OM for the prevention and treatment of Oral Mucositis. Brilacidin-OM, a defensin mimetic compound, has shown in the laboratory to reduce the occurrence of severe ulcerative oral mucositis by more than 94% compared to placebo. Cellceutix's anti-psoriasis drug Prurisol is presently in a bioequivalence crossover clinical trial. Prurisol is a small molecule that acts through immune modulation and PRINS reduction. Cellceutix's key antibiotic, Brilacidin, is in a Phase 2b trial for Acute Bacterial Skin and Skin Structure Infections, or ABSSSI. Brilacidin has the potential to be a single-dose therapy or a dosing regimen that is shorter than currently marketed antibiotics for multi-drug resistant bacteria (Superbugs). Cellceutix has formed research collaborations with world-renowned research institutions in the United States and Europe, including MD Anderson Cancer Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and the University of Bologna. More information is available on the Cellceutix web site at www.cellceutix.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause Cellceutix's actual results and experience to differ materially from anticipated results and expectations expressed in these forward looking statements. Cellceutix has in some cases identified forward-looking statements by using words such as "anticipates," "believes," "hopes," "estimates," "looks," "expects," "plans," "intends," "goal," "potential," "may," "suggest," and similar expressions. Among other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements are Cellceutix's need for, and the availability of, substantial capital in the future to fund its operations and research and development; including the amount and timing of the sale of shares of common stock to Aspire Capital; the fact that Cellceutix's compounds may not successfully complete pre-clinical or clinical testing, or be granted regulatory approval to be sold and marketed in the United States or elsewhere. A more complete description of these risk factors is included in Cellceutix's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Cellceutix undertakes no obligation to release publicly the results of any revisions to any such forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by applicable law or regulation.
