Champions Biotechnology Announces Agreement With Cephalon for the Evaluation of a Novel Oncology Compound Using Predictive Biomerk Tumorgraft™ Platform

BALTIMORE, Sept. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Champions Biotechnology, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: CSBR), an oncology drug development company with a predictive preclinical platform aimed at accelerating the development and enhancing the value of oncology drugs, announced the establishment of an agreement with Cephalon, Inc., a global biopharmaceutical company, for the testing of the Cephalon novel B-Raf inhibitor CEP-32496 in Champions' Biomerk Tumorgraft™ platform.  

B-Raf, a protein kinase, is a key part of a signaling pathway in the cell that leads to cell proliferation.  A mutation in B-Raf is implicated in a wide-range of cancers, including melanoma, colorectal and ovarian cancer.

Under the terms of the agreement, Champions will use its Biomerk Tumorgraft™ to test the effectiveness of CEP-32496 in various cancer indications.  "We are delighted to add Cephalon to Champions' client list.  The preclinical use of our highly-predictive Biomerk Tumorgraft™ platform will enable a greater understanding of the clinical potential of CEP-32496," said Elizabeth Bruckheimer, Ph.D., Vice President of Scientific Operations, Champions Biotechnology, Inc.  

Bruce Ruggeri, PhD, Senior Director, Oncology Research Drug Discovery at Cephalon stated, "We are excited to work with Champions.  These results may be critical in appropriately designing clinical trials to further support the development of this compound."

About Champions Biotechnology, Inc.

Champions Biotechnology, Inc. is engaged in the development of advanced preclinical platforms and tumor specific data to enhance and accelerate the value of oncology drugs. The Company's Preclinical Platform is a novel approach based upon the implantation of primary human tumors in immune deficient mice followed by propagation of the resulting engraftments (Biomerk Tumorgrafts™) in a manner that preserves the biological characteristics of the original human tumor. Early studies suggest that unlike traditional xenografts, these Tumorgrafts closely reflect human cancer biology and their response to drugs is predictive of clinical outcomes in cancer patients. Champions Biotechnology leverages its preclinical platform to evaluate drug candidates and to develop a portfolio of novel therapeutic candidates. As drugs progress through early stage development, the Company plans to sell, partner or license them to pharmaceutical and/or biotechnology companies, as appropriate. The Company also offers its predictive preclinical platform and tumor specific data to physicians for personalized patient care and to companies for evaluation of oncology drugs in models that integrate prognostic testing with biomarker discovery.

www.championsbiotechnology.com

About Cephalon, Inc.

Cephalon is a global biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering, developing and bringing to market medications to improve the quality of life of individuals around the world.  Since its inception in 1987, Cephalon has brought first-in-class and best-in-class medicines to patients in several therapeutic areas.  Cephalon has the distinction of being one of the world's fastest-growing biopharmaceutical companies, now among the Fortune 1000 and a member of the S&P 500 Index, employing approximately 4,000 people worldwide.  The company sells numerous branded and generic products around the world.  In total, Cephalon sells more than 150 products in nearly 100 countries.  More information on Cephalon and its products is available at http://www.cephalon.com.

SOURCE Champions Biotechnology, Inc.