Goodwin Biotechnology Announces a Collaboration with Spectros Corporation

PLANTATION, Fla. and PORTOLA VALLEY, Calif., Oct. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Goodwin Biotechnology, Inc. (GBI) and Spectros Corporation jointly announced a collaboration for the process development and cGMP manufacturing of an antibody: dye conjugate that will be used in Phase I and Phase II clinical trials.

"The leading surgical treatment for prostate cancer is prostatectomy, or removal of the prostate," noted David Benaron, CEO at Spectros Corporation. "Unfortunately, residual tumor remains at the edge of surgery about 30% of the time, leading to a significantly higher risk of local recurrence of the cancer and higher rates of death. By collaborating with GBI on the conjugation of a fluorescent dye and a monoclonal antibody that has a high level of affinity with the prostate-specific membrane antigen, we aim to identify and minimize the residual tumor, thereby reducing the number of people who have to receive additional treatment such as high doses of radiation. This type of cancer detection, called Molecular Imaging, may represent an important advance in cancer by improving the diagnosis, individualized treatment selection and monitoring, and even survival. We look forward to clinical trials with this agent, ProstaFluor®, beginning next year."

"We're excited about the opportunity to contribute a decade of bioconjugation experience to this important project," said Muctarr Sesay, PhD, Vice President of Process Development at GBI. "The potential of this innovative approach may represent a new paradigm in the way patients are diagnosed and treated, and contribute significantly to the quality of life of those affected by this insidious disease."

About Goodwin Biotechnology, Inc.

Goodwin Biotechnology is a fully integrated cGMP contract manufacturer of monoclonal antibodies, recombinant proteins and vaccines. GBI has the expertise and experience in cell line development, process development and GMP manufacturing of recombinant proteins and antibodies, as well as conjugated therapeutic proteins (e.g., antibodies conjugated to linkers for radioimmune therapy and diagnostics, other antibodies, proteins, chemotoxins, or plant toxins) by leveraging our proprietary conjugation technology. By working with GBI, our clients can enhance the value of their product candidates with clear development and manufacturing strategies and a road map to meet product requirements from the milligram, gram and kilogram range as the product candidates move along the clinical approval pathway. With nearly 20 years of experience as an independent contract manufacturer, GBI has worked with companies of all sizes from small university spin-offs to major research institutes, government agencies and large, established biopharmaceutical companies.

About Spectros Corporation

Spectros Corporation makes advanced molecular sensing and imaging devices which shed light on life-threatening diseases, including ischemia and cancer. The company's champion product, the T-Stat® broadband Tissue Oximeter, was the first medical device FDA-approved as sensitive to ischemia, an insufficient supply of oxygen to tissue. Spectros also develops molecular diagnostic tools for breast and prostate cancer, including the ProstaFluor® contrast agent described herein. Spectros is a venture-supported private concern and markets its products in the U.S. and internationally.

SOURCE Goodwin Biotechnology, Inc.