Cancer Research Pioneer Dr. H. Michael Shepard Joins Anpac Bio Technical Advisory Board

The Indiana University and University of California, Davis alum is best known for initiating the novel, Genetech research team that discovered the antibody that attacks HER2-tumor cells – ultimately, stopping or killing them. This antibody, now called Trastuzumab (better known as "Herceptin"), substantially increases survival in breast, and some ovarian and gastric, cancer patients with large amounts of the HER2 protein on the surface of their tumor cells.

Multiple research studies confirm overall survival of HER2+ cancer patients 37% higher when treated with Herceptin plus chemotherapy; compared to patients given only chemotherapy. At ten years after treatment, disease-free survival was 40% better in patients treated with Herceptin plus chemotherapy, compared to those treated only with chemotherapy.

Since its introduction to the marketplace, Herceptin has dominated the HER2+ market, with market share well above 90%. Herceptin is projected to earn $9.89 Billion annually by 2025.

Among Shepard's other research accomplishments include:

• Bringing the first adenovirus gene therapy into clinical trials (for ovarian cancer);
• Creating small molecule cancer therapeutics, targeting cancer overexpressed following the inactivation of tumor suppressor genes;
• Pioneering the concept of 'pan-HER' inhibition (single drug deterring the EGFR, HER2, and HER3);
• Obtaining European and U.S. drug approval for EnhanzeTM technology for subcutaneous drug delivery, thus allowing patients to avoid the infusion clinic;
• Creating a platform for discovering tumor specific therapeutics, such that patients can be selected based upon their proven ability to respond to a given therapy.  

In recognition of his breakthrough research, the Warren Alpert Foundation and Harvard Medical School, presented Shepard the prestigious, "Warren Alpert Prize". The Warren Alpert Prize "honors scientists, physicians and researchers whose scientific achievements have led to the prevention, cure, or treatment of human diseases or disorders, and/or whose research constitutes a seminal scientific finding that holds great promise of ultimately changing our understanding of, or ability to treat, disease."

Shepard will be working with Anpac Bio studying the company's breakthrough, "Cancer Differentiation Analysis" (CDA) liquid biopsy technology's applications for reproductive cancer screening; and as companion diagnostics for cancer therapeutics.

Anpac Bio pioneered liquid biopsy research for cancer screening. Comprehensive research validity data from 130,000+ cases processed (to date), demonstrate CDA diagnostics consistently detects 28+ different cancers -- with 75%-90% sensitivity and specificity rates -- usually at the diseases' earliest stages. And it does so without any harmful patient side effects; generating far fewer "false positives"; at a cost, substantially lower than traditional testing (such as imaging); and generating results within minutes of sample submission. Anpac Bio has filed 250+ CDA-related patent applications worldwide – 107+ issued by 20 countries; (to date) and is fully-commercialized and earning liquid-biopsy screening revenue.

"Our Anpac Bio team is pleased to welcome Dr. Shepard to our Technical Advisory Board," states Dr. Yu. "It is due to Dr. Shepard's extensive, award-winning research experience, and reputation for identifying innovative solutions to fight disease, that prompted our invitation. We are excited Dr. Shepard will be testing our equipment against the current, traditional cancer screening methods; as well as advising us on how we can best support researchers and therapeutics developers. We look forward helping Dr. Shepard save many more lives in the months and years to come."

For further information: AnpacBio.com.

SOURCE Anpac Bio-Medical Science Company

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