#United States #Fort Collins #Cancer Immunotherapy #PhotonPharma #Innocell

PhotonPharma Announces Patent for Revolutionary Cancer Immunotherapy

PhotonPharma Inc., a pioneering biotechnology firm located in Fort Collins, Colorado, has recently secured a significant milestone in its quest to advance cancer treatment. The company proudly announced the issuance of U.S. Patent No. 12,280,039 B2, titled "Cancer Vaccine Compositions and Methods of Use Thereof," which was granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office on April 22, 2025. This patent pertains to a novel method of producing cancer immunotherapy products utilizing photochemically-inactivated cancer cells, which intriguingly maintain their immunogenic properties.

The Innovative Approach of Innocell™

The patented technology, branded as Innocell™, is anticipated to represent a transformative leap in the field of cancer immunotherapy. The process employs riboflavin (vitamin B2) as a photosensitizer in conjunction with ultraviolet (UV) light to effectively inactivate cancer cells while preserving vital tumor antigens. This addresses a long-standing challenge in cancer immunotherapy: how to present tumor antigens to the immune system effectively, thus fostering an immune response tailored to the patient's unique tumor profile.

Key Advantages of the Innovation

1. Product Profile: The process designed by PhotonPharma ensures that the cancer cells are rendered entirely incapable of replication whilst their antigenic properties remain intact. The produced cells with enhanced antigen presentation can stimulate a broad immune response against the patient's tumor.

2. Preserved Immunogenicity: The critical surface markers and tumor-associated antigens necessary for immune recognition are preserved throughout the process, maintaining the metabolic functions of the cells. This alteration has shown promise in generating immune responses that effectively target tumor destruction during preclinical investigations.

3. Scalable Manufacturing: PhotonPharma’s photochemical inactivation method is not only rapid but also reproducible, which is essential for clinical-scale production.

4. Broad Applicability: The technology showcases its versatility by being applicable across various cancer types and stages.

Validating the Promising Results

The patent also compiles extensive preclinical validations that underline its potential efficacy:

• - Tumor Growth Inhibition: Results indicate a significant reduction in tumor growth rates across multiple animal models, demonstrating the technology's impact.
• - Enhanced Survival: The studies have noted an increase in survival rates when compared to control groups.
• - Immune System Activation: Participants exhibited robust T-cell responses and the formation of immunological memory linked to the targeted cancer therapy.

Alan Rudolph, Ph.D., a member of PhotonPharma Inc.'s board, expressed enthusiasm at the patent's issuance, stating, "This validates our groundbreaking approach to cancer immunotherapy and enhances our intellectual property portfolio as we move towards clinical trials. Our technology could revolutionize the treatment landscape for patients suffering from recurrent ovarian cancer, providing them with a safer and more potent option."

According to data from the National Cancer Institute, ovarian cancer will affect approximately 20,890 women in the U.S. with an expected 12,730 deaths in 2025 alone. The five-year relative survival rate is around 51.6% (between 2015-2021), highlighting the critical need for innovative therapies like Innocell™.

A Strategic Market Position

The global cancer immunotherapy market is set to witness substantial growth, projected to reach between $231 billion and $277 billion by 2031, as noted by Statista and BioSpace. This CAGR of 13.6% to 11.9% illustrates the increasing incidence of cancer and the rising adoption of immunotherapeutic approaches. PhotonPharma's latest patent positions the company as a leader in developing next-generation cancer treatments.

Next Steps for PhotonPharma

PhotonPharma is gearing up to initiate Phase I clinical trials, specifically targeting patients with recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer.

About PhotonPharma

PhotonPharma is dedicated to devising innovative cancer therapies that harness the body's immune response to combat disease. By focusing on personalized medicine, their leading product, Innocell™, aspires to offer a groundbreaking treatment for a wide array of solid organ tumors. For additional details, visit www.photonpharmaceuticals.com.

Disclaimer: Innocell™ is currently an investigational product and has not received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The safety and efficacy of Innocell™ have not been confirmed.