Scancell Holdings Plc, (PLUS:SCLP), the developer of therapeutic cancer vaccines, is pleased to announce it has signed a worldwide non-exclusive licensing agreement with the National Institutes of Health (‘NIH’), an agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, for use of the melanoma antigens TRP-2 and gp100, developed in the laboratory of Steven A. Rosenberg, M.D., Ph.D., at the National Cancer Institute. These antigens will be utilized as key components of Scancell’s lead ImmunoBody® vaccine for melanoma, SCIB1.

Under the agreement, Scancell has agreed to pay the US Public Health Service an undisclosed upfront fee in addition to certain milestone fees and a royalty on future sales of SCIB1. Scancell will have the right to develop and commercialise its ImmunoBody® vaccines for the treatment of melanoma in humans incorporating epitopes from these targets.

ImmunoBody® vaccines generate the high-avidity T-cells that kill cancer cells, which may overcome the current limitations of most cancer vaccines. Scancell is expected to commence its Phase I clinical trials for SCIB1 in Q2 2010.

David Evans, Chairman of Scancell, commented:

“This agreement strengthens Scancell’s IP position around SCIB1 and enables the Company to move forward towards its proposed clinical trials of the melanoma vaccine.”

The Directors of the issuer accept responsibility for this announcement.

For further information contact:

David Evans, Chaiman  -  Scancell Holdings Plc  -  +44 (0)774 008 4452

Professor Lindy Durrant, CEO  -  Scancell Holdings Plc  -  +44 (0)207 245 1100

John Bick/Kirsty Corcoran  -  Hansard Communications  -  +44 (0)207 245 1100

Ross Andrews/Tom Rowley  -  Zeus Capital  -  +44 (0)161 831 1512

About Scancell

Scancell is developing novel therapeutic vaccines for the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases based on its groundbreaking ImmunoBody® technology platform. Scancell’s first cancer vaccine SCIB1 is being developed for the treatment of melanoma and is expected to enter clinical trials in 2010.

Treating cancer by vaccination allows small non-toxic doses of a vaccine to be administered to a patient, stimulating an immune response. Effective cancer vaccines need to target dendritic cells to stimulate both parts of the cellular immune system; the helper cell system where inflammation is stimulated at the tumour site; and the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte or CTL response where immune system cells are primed to recognise and kill specific cells.

A limitation of many cancer vaccines currently in development is that they cannot specifically target dendritic cells in vivo. Several groups have demonstrated successful vaccination by growing dendritic cells ex vivo, pulsing them with tumour antigens and re-infusing them. However, this procedure is patient specific, time consuming and expensive. Scancell has developed its breakthrough patent protected ImmunoBody® technology to overcome these limitations.

An ImmunoBody® is a human antibody or fusion protein engineered to express helper cell and CTL epitopes from tumour antigens over-expressed by cancer cells. Antibodies are ideal vectors for carrying T cell epitopes from tumour antigens as they have long half-lives and can effectively target dendritic cells via their Fc receptors, allowing efficient stimulation of both helper and CTL responses.

The Immunobody® technology can be adapted to provide the basis for treating any tumour type and may also be of potential utility in the development of vaccines against hepatitis, HIV and other chronic infectious diseases.

Scancell Holdings Plc, (PLUS:SCLP), the developer of therapeutic cancer vaccines, is pleased to announce that its proposal to conduct a Phase I clinical trial on SCIB1, its DNA ImmunoBody® vaccine being developed for the treatment of melanoma, has been approved by the Gene Therapy Advisory Committee (‘GTAC’) and by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (‘MHRA’) Medicines Division. In addition, Scancell’s partner Ichor Medical Systems (‘Ichor’) has obtained the required parallel approval from the MHRA Devices Division for the use of Ichor’s TriGrid™ electroporation delivery device to administer SCIB1 to patients participating in the trial of SCIB1.

Recruitment for the Phase I clinical trial of SCIB1 is expected to commence shortly at three leading UK hospital centres in Nottingham, Manchester and Newcastle.

SCIB1 is a novel DNA ImmunoBody® vaccine being developed using Scancell’s patented ImmunoBody® technology for the treatment of melanoma. ImmunoBody® vaccines generate the high-avidity T-cells that kill cancer cells, which may overcome the current limitations of most cancer vaccines. In vivo electroporation is widely regarded as an effective method of enhancing the potency of DNA vaccines by up to 100-fold compared to conventional methods of delivery. Scancell is confident that TriGrid™ will provide the most effective delivery system for its SCIB1 melanoma vaccine as it enters clinical trials.

Advanced melanoma currently has a very poor prognosis with late stage (stage IV) disease having a median survival of approximately six months. According to the World Health Organisation, 132,000 melanoma skin cancers occur globally each year and the incidence is increasing, especially in the United States, Europe and Australia.

David Evans, Chairman of Scancell, commented:

“With the approvals from GTAC and MHRA in place Scancell will commence the Phase I clinical trial of our first therapeutic cancer vaccine SCIB1 during this second quarter which is exactly on track with our programme and marks a significant step for the Company. We look forward to updating shareholders again in due course.”

The Directors of the issuer accept responsibility for this announcement.

For further information contact:

Professor Lindy Durrant  -  Scancell Holdings Plc  -  +44 (0)207 245 1100

John Bick/Kirsty Corcoran  -  Hansard Communications  -  +44 (0)207 245 1100/+44 (0)7872 061 007

Ross Andrews/Tom Rowley -  Zeus Capital  -  +44 (0)161 831 1512

About Scancell

Scancell is developing novel therapeutic vaccines for the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases based on its groundbreaking ImmunoBody® technology platform. Scancell’s first cancer vaccine, SCIB1, is being developed for the treatment of melanoma and will enter clinical trials in 2010.

Treating cancer by vaccination allows small non-toxic doses of a vaccine to be administered to a patient, stimulating an immune response. Effective cancer vaccines need to target dendritic cells to stimulate both parts of the cellular immune system; the helper cell system where inflammation is stimulated at the tumour site; and the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte or CTL response where immune system cells are primed to recognise and kill specific cells.

A limitation of many cancer vaccines currently in development is that they cannot specifically target dendritic cells in vivo. Several groups have demonstrated successful vaccination by growing dendritic cells ex vivo, pulsing them with tumour antigens and re-infusing them. However, this procedure is patient specific, time consuming and expensive. Scancell has developed its breakthrough patent protected ImmunoBody® technology to overcome these limitations.

An ImmunoBody® is a DNA vaccine encoding a human antibody or fusion protein engineered to express helper cell and CTL epitopes from tumour antigens over-expressed by cancer cells. Antibodies are ideal vectors for carrying T cell epitopes from tumour antigens as they can effectively target dendritic cells via their Fc receptors, allowing efficient stimulation of high avidity and high frequency helper and CTL responses.

The ImmunoBody® technology can be adapted to provide the basis for treating any tumour type and may also be of potential utility in the development of vaccines against hepatitis, HIV and other chronic infectious diseases.

About Ichor

Ichor Medical Systems’ TriGrid™ Delivery System is the first integrated and fully automated system for electroporation-mediated DNA administration. Ichor, a privately-held biotech company based in San Diego, CA, is collaborating with partners on three continents in a wide range of studies to test the TriGrid™ as an enabling platform for delivery of DNA drugs and vaccines to treat diseases such as pandemic flu, hepatitis, HIV, melanoma, multiple sclerosis, and others. The TriGrid™ is also being tested by the U.S. military as an efficient means of delivering anti-bioterrorism agents.

Scancell Holdings Plc, (PLUS:SCLP), the developer of therapeutic cancer vaccines, is pleased to announce it has raised £207,000 (before expenses) by way of a placing of 460,000 New Ordinary Shares of 0.1p each (‘Placing Shares’) at a price of 45p (the ‘Placing’) with the Aspire Fund. The net proceeds of the Placing, together with the proceeds of the Open Offer that was completed on 29 March 2010, will be used to fund the working capital requirements of the Company to take its lead melanoma vaccine, SC1B1, through Phase I and Phase IIa Clinical Trials.

Admission and commencement of dealings in the New Ordinary Shares to be issued under the Placing are expected to take place at 8.00 a.m. on 15 April 2010. There will be a total of 15,873,326 Ordinary Shares in issue following Admission of the Placing Shares.

David Evans, Chairman of Scancell Holdings plc, commented:

“Following the recent successful fundraising, I am delighted that the Aspire Fund has now also decided to become a significant shareholder in Scancell. The investment represents further recognition of the work of our CEO Lindy Durrant in the development of SC1B1.”

Melanie Perkins, Lead Manager of the Aspire Fund said:

“This investment is extremely exciting and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to support such a vital enterprise that may have the opportunity to save so many lives. The Aspire Fund seeks to support and encourage female entrepreneurship and Scancell is an excellent example of women leading the way in diverse and important fields of work.”

The Directors of the issuer accept responsibility for this announcement.

For further information contact:

David Evans, Chairman  -  Scancell Holdings Plc  -  +44 (0) 774 008 4452

Professor Lindy Durrant, CEO  -  Scancell Holdings Plc  -  +44 (0)207 245 1100

Kirsty Corcoran / John Bick  -  Hansard Communications  -  +44 (0)207 245 1100

Ross Andrews / Tom Rowley  -  Zeus Capital  -  +44 (0)161 831 1512

About the Aspire Fund (www.capitalforenterprise.gov.uk)

Established in November 2008, the £12.5m Aspire Fund targets support for women-led businesses with an objective to increase the number of successful female entrepreneurs within the UK, ensuring that those with real potential to succeed are not held back through a lack of growth capital. The Fund is able to make investments of between £100k and £1m, providing up to 50% of capital in a funding round alongside other private investors. The Aspire Fund is managed by Capital for Enterprise Ltd (CfEL) on behalf of the Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS).

About Scancell

Scancell is developing novel therapeutic vaccines for the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases based on its groundbreaking ImmunoBody® technology platform. Scancell’s first cancer vaccine SCIB1 is being developed for the treatment of melanoma and is expected to enter clinical trials in 2010.

Treating cancer by vaccination allows small non-toxic doses of a vaccine to be administered to a patient, stimulating an immune response. Effective cancer vaccines need to target dendritic cells to stimulate both parts of the cellular immune system; the helper cell system where inflammation is stimulated at the tumour site; and the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte or CTL response where immune system cells are primed to recognise and kill specific cells.

A limitation of many cancer vaccines currently in development is that they cannot specifically target dendritic cells in vivo. Several groups have demonstrated successful vaccination by growing dendritic cells ex vivo, pulsing them with tumour antigens and re-infusing them. However, this procedure is patient specific, time consuming and expensive. Scancell has developed its breakthrough patent protected ImmunoBody® technology to overcome these limitations.

The ImmunoBody® is a human antibody or fusion protein engineered to express helper cell and CTL epitopes from tumour antigens over-expressed by cancer cells. Antibodies are ideal vectors for carrying T cell epitopes from tumour antigens as they have long half-lives and can effectively target dendritic cells via their Fc receptors, allowing efficient stimulation of both helper and CTL responses.

The Immunobody® technology can be adapted to provide the basis for treating any tumour type and may also be of potential utility in the development of vaccines against hepatitis, HIV and other chronic infectious diseases.

Scancell Holdings Plc, (PLUS:SCLP), the developer of therapeutic cancer vaccines, is pleased to report the results of the Open Offer that was announced on 5 March 2010. Under the Open Offer, a total of 5,137,775 New Ordinary Shares will be issued at a price of 45 pence per New Ordinary Share to raise approximately £2.31 million, before expenses, to fund the working  capital requirements of the Company.

Results of the Open Offer

• Existing shareholders have subscribed for 3,770,248 New Ordinary Shares, representing approximately 73.38 per cent. of the total number of New Ordinary Shares to be issued;
• Helium Special Situations Fund Limited, a new institutional investor, has subscribed for 1,034,194 New Ordinary Shares, representing approximately 20.13 per cent. of the total number of New Ordinary Shares to be issued; and
• 333,333 New Ordinary Shares have been placed with private investors, representing approximately 6.49 per cent. of the total number of New Ordinary Shares to be issued.

Admission and commencement of dealings in the New Ordinary Shares to be issued under the Open Offer are expected to take place at 8.00 a.m. on 30 March 2010. There will be a total of 15,413,326 ordinary shares in issue following Admission of the New Ordinary Shares.

Directors’ dealings

The Company has been notified of the following dealings:

Mr David Evans, non-executive chairman, has subscribed for 250,000 New Ordinary Shares at 45p per share under the Open Offer. After Admission of the New Ordinary Shares the total holding of David Evans in the Company will amount to 510,000 ordinary shares (representing approximately 3.31 per cent. of the enlarged issued share capital).

Mr Michael Rippon, non-executive director, has subscribed for 55,000 New Ordinary Shares at 45p per share under the Open Offer. After Admission of the New Ordinary Shares the total holding of Michael Rippon in the Company will amount to 250,416 ordinary shares (representing approximately 1.62 per cent. of the enlarged issued share capital).

Mr Matthew Frohn, non-executive director, is also a director of Oxford Technology Management Limited which is the manager for the Oxford Technology VCT plc and the Oxford Technology 3 VCT plc. The Oxford Technology VCT plc has subscribed for 166,667 New Ordinary Shares and the Oxford Technology 3 VCT plc has also subscribed for 166,667 New Ordinary Shares under the Open Offer. After Admission of the New Ordinary Shares the total holding of the Oxford Technology VCT plc in the Company will amount to 833,330 ordinary shares (representing 5.41 per cent. of the enlarged issued share capital) and the total holding of the Oxford Technology 3 VCT plc in the Company will amount to 442,592 ordinary shares (representing 2.87 per cent. of the enlarged issued share capital).

David Evans, Chairman of Scancell Holdings plc, commented:

“We are very pleased that the Open Offer has been so well supported by existing shareholders.

The net proceeds of the Open Offer, together with the existing funds held by or available to the Group, will be used to build on the progress achieved since the Company’s admission to PLUS and will be sufficient to allow completion of the Phase I and Phase IIa Clinical Trial of Scancell’s lead melanoma vaccine, SC1B1.”

The Directors of the issuer accept responsibility for this announcement.

Scancell Holdings Plc, (PLUS:SCLP), the developer of therapeutic cancer vaccines, today announces an Open Offer of 5,137,775 New Ordinary Shares at a price of 45 pence per New Ordinary Share to raise approximately £2.31 million, before expenses, to fund the working capital requirements of the Company. The Directors believe that the net proceeds of the Open Offer, together with the existing funds and facilities available to the Company, will be sufficient to allow completion of the Phase I and Phase IIa Clinical Trial of Scancell’s lead melanoma vaccine, SC1B1, with completion expected in 2012.

An Open Offer Document containing details of the Open Offer is being posted to shareholders later today and will be available on this website.

Highlights:

• The Open Offer provides an opportunity for all Qualifying Shareholders to participate in the fundraising by acquiring Open Offer Shares pro rata to their current holdings of Existing Ordinary Shares on the basis of 1 Open Offer Share for every 2 Existing Ordinary Shares held on the Record Date.
• The Issue Price of 45 pence per New Ordinary Share represents a 10.89 per cent. discount to the closing middle market price of 50.5 pence per Existing Ordinary Share on 4 March 2010, the last business day before the announcement of the Open Offer.
• The Open Offer is underwritten.

David Evans, Chairman of Scancell, commented:

“We are pleased to be able to offer existing shareholders the opportunity to participate in this fully underwritten fundraising. The net proceeds of the Open Offer, together with the existing funds held by or available to the Group, will be used to build on the progress achieved since the Company’s admission to PLUS and will be sufficient to allow completion of the Phase I and Phase IIa Clinical Trial of Scancell’s lead melanoma vaccine, SC1B1.”

The Directors of the issuer accept responsibility for this announcement.

For further information contact:

Professor Lindy Durrant  -  Scancell Holdings Plc  -  +44 (0)207 245 1100

John Bick/Kirsty Corcoran  -  Hansard Communications  -  +44 (0)207 245 1100

Ross Andrews  -  Zeus Capital  -  +44 (0)161 831 1512

Expected Timetable of Principal Events:

close of business on 3 March 2010 - Record Date for the Open Offer

5 March 2010 - Announcement of the Open Offer

5 March 2010 - Posting of the Open Offer document and the Application Forms

3.00 pm on 24 March 2010 - Latest time and date for splitting Application Forms (to satisfy bona fide Market Claims only)

1.00 pm on 26 March 2010 - Latest time and date for receipt of completed Application Forms and payment in full under the Open Offer

7.00 am on 29 March 2010 - Expected time and date of announcement of results of the Open Offer

8.00 am on 30 March 2010 - Admission and dealings in the New Ordinary Shares commence

View the full Offer details

Scancell Holdings Plc, (PLUS:SCLP), the developer of therapeutic cancer vaccines, is pleased to announce that its proposal to conduct a Phase I clinical trial on SCIB1, its DNA ImmunoBody® vaccine being developed for the treatment of melanoma, was submitted to the Gene Therapy Advisory Committee (‘GTAC’) on 29 December 2009. In addition, Scancell and its partner Ichor Medical Systems (‘Ichor’) submitted parallel applications to the Medicines Division and to the Devices Division of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (‘MHRA’) on 29 January 2010 requesting approvals for the clinical trial of SCIB1 and for the use of Ichor’s TriGrid™ electroporation delivery device to administer SCIB1 to participating patients, respectively.

SCIB1 is a novel DNA ImmunoBody® vaccine being developed using Scancell’s patented ImmunoBody® technology for the treatment of melanoma. ImmunoBody® vaccines generate the high-avidity T-cells that kill cancer cells, which may overcome the current limitations of most cancer vaccines. In vivo electroporation is widely regarded as an effective method of enhancing the potency of DNA vaccines by up to 100 -fold compared to conventional methods of delivery. Scancell is confident that TriGrid™ will provide the most effective delivery system for its SCIB1 melanoma vaccine as it enters clinical trials.

Advanced melanoma currently has a very poor prognosis with late stage (stage IV) disease having a median survival of approximately six months. According to the World Health Organisation, 132,000 melanoma skin cancers occur globally each year and the incidence is increasing, especially in the United States, Europe and Australia.

David Evans, Chairman of Scancell, commented:

“Scancell’s CTA submission and proposal to GTAC to conduct the Phase I clinical trial for our first therapeutic cancer vaccine marks a significant step for the Company and we look forward to reporting on its progress. We are confident that, subject to regulatory and ethical approvals, the Phase I clinical trial for SCIB1 will be on target to commence in Q2 2010.”

For further information contact:

Professor Lindy Durrant  -  Scancell Holdings Plc  -  +44 (0)207 245 1100

John Bick/Kirsty Corcoran  -  Hansard Communications  -  +44 (0)207 245 1100/+44 (0)7872 061 007

Ross Andrews  -  Zeus Capital  -  +44 (0)161 831 1512

About Scancell

Scancell is developing novel therapeutic vaccines for the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases based on its groundbreaking ImmunoBody® technology platform. Scancell’s first cancer vaccine, SCIB1, is being developed for the treatment of melanoma and will enter clinical trials in early 2010.

Treating cancer by vaccination allows small non-toxic doses of a vaccine to be administered to a patient, stimulating an immune response. Effective cancer vaccine need to target dendritic cells to stimulate both parts of the cellular immune system; the helper cell system where inflammation is stimulated at the tumour site; and the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte or CTL response where immune system cells are primed to recognise and kill specific cells.

A limitation of many cancer vaccines currently in development is that they cannot specifically target dendritic cells in vivo. Several groups have demonstrated successful vaccination by growing dendritic cells ex vivo, pulsing them with tumour antigens and re-infusing them. However, this procedure is patient specific, time consuming and expensive. Scancell has developed its breakthrough patent protected ImmunoBody® technology to overcome these limitations.

An ImmunoBody® is a DNA vaccine encoding a human antibody or fusion protein engineered to express helper cell and CTL epitopes from tumour antigens over-expressed by cancer cells. Antibodies are ideal vectors for carrying T cell epitopes from tumour antigens as they can effectively target dendritic cells via their Fc receptors, allowing efficient stimulation of high avidity and high frequency helper and CTL responses.

The ImmunoBody® technology can be adapted to provide the basis for treating any tumour type and may also be of potential utility in the development of vaccines against hepatitis, HIV and other chronic infectious diseases.

About Ichor

Ichor Medical Systems’ TriGrid™ Delivery System is the first integrated and fully automated system for electroporation-mediated DNA administration. Ichor, a privately-held biotech company based in San Diego, CA, is collaborating with partners on three continents in a wide range of studies to test the TriGrid™ as an enabling platform for delivery of DNA drugs and vaccines to treat diseases such as pandemic flu, hepatitis, HIV, melanoma, multiple sclerosis, and others. The TriGrid™ is also being tested by the U.S. military as an efficient means of delivering anti-bioterrorism agents.

Scancell (SCLP.PL), the developer of therapeutic cancer and infectious disease vaccines based on its
patented ImmunoBody® platform, is pleased to announce the interim results for the six month period ended 31st October 2009 (‘the period’).

Highlights:

• Licensing agreement signed with Merck KGaA for two key patents required for further development and commercialisation of protein ImmunoBody® vaccines
• Agreement signed with Ichor Medical Systems to use Ichor's TriGrid™ electroporation device for the delivery of SCIB1
• Signed a research agreement with ImmunoVaccine Technologies Inc. to explore IVT’s DepoVax™ delivery system for future use with Scancell’s ImmunoBody® DNA infectious disease and animal health vaccines

Post Period Highlights:

• GMP production of SCIB1 vaccine completed successfully with excellent yield
• PharmaNet Development Group appointed to conduct and manage the SCIB1 clinical trial

David Evans, Non-Executive Chairman of Scancell, commented:

“The Company is on track with its clinical programme as outlined in our admission document in 2008, and we look forward to further progress during the current year, as SCIB1 enters Phase I clinical trials.”

A copy of this announcement is available for download at Announcement

The interim financial information is not audited.

For further information contact:

Professor Lindy Durrant  -  Scancell Holdings Plc  -  +44 (0)207 245 1100
                                            

Kirsty Corcoran/John Bick  -  Hansard Communications  -  +44 (0)207 245 1100/+44 (0)7515 588 947

Ross Andrews - Zeus Capital  -  +44 (0)161 831 1512

View the full results 

Scancell Holdings Plc, (PLUS:SCLP), the parent company of Scancell Limited (‘Scancell’), the developer of innovative therapeutic cancer vaccines, is pleased to announce that it expects to commence its Phase I/II clinical trial with SCIB in the first half of 2010. PharmaNet Development Group (PharmaNet), a top-ten clinical research organization, has been selected for the conduct and management of the study.

Scancell’s SCIB1 is a DNA ImmunoBody® vaccine for the treatment of melanoma. SCIB1 was developed using Scancell’s patented ImmunoBody® technology. ImmunoBody® vaccines generate the high-avidity T-cells that kill cancer cells, overcoming the current limitations of most cancer vaccines. Advanced melanoma currently has a very poor prognosis with late stage (stage IV) disease having a median survival of approximately six months. According to the World Health Organisation, 132,000 melanoma skin cancers occur globally each year and the incidence is increasing, especially in the United States, Europe and Australia.

PharmaNet has extensive oncology experience from more than 200 studies, at over 9600 investigative sites with over 50,000 patients.

David Evans, Chairman of Scancell, commented:

“We are delighted to have selected PharmaNet to manage Scancell’s Phase I/II clinical trial programme with SCIB1. PharmaNet’s extensive experience, particularly in the management of early stage oncology clinical trials, will be of critical importance to Scancell as SCIB1 moves into clinical development.”

Jeffrey McMullen, President and Chief Executive Officer, PharmaNet Development Group, commented:

"This is our first project with Scancell. We are thrilled to work on Scancell’s innovative therapeutic cancer vaccine, SCIB1, and are very pleased that they have entrusted PharmaNet with their study.”

The Directors of the issuer accept responsibility for this announcement.

For further information contact:

Professor Lindy Durrant  -  Scancell Holdings Plc  -  +44 207 245 1100

Adam Reynolds/Vikki Krause  -  Hansard Group  -  +44 7515 922906

Ross Andrews  -  Zeus Capital  -  +44 (0)161 831 1512

About Scancell

Scancell is developing novel therapeutic vaccines for the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases based on its groundbreaking ImmunoBody® technology platform. Scancell’s first cancer vaccine SCIB1 is being developed for the treatment of melanoma and will enter clinical trials in early 2010.

Treating cancer by vaccination allows small non-toxic doses of a vaccine to be administered to a patient, stimulating an immune response. Effective cancer vaccines need to target dendritic cells to stimulate both parts of the cellular immune system; the helper cell system where inflammation is stimulated at the tumour site; and the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte or CTL response where immune system cells are primed to recognise and kill specific cells.

A limitation of many cancer vaccines currently in development is that they cannot specifically target dendritic cells in vivo. Several groups have demonstrated successful vaccination by growing dendritic cells ex vivo, pulsing them with tumour antigens and re-infusing them. However, this procedure is patient specific, time consuming and expensive. Scancell has developed its breakthrough patent protected ImmunoBody® technology to overcome these limitations.

An ImmunoBody® is a DNA vaccine encoding a human antibody or fusion protein engineered to express helper cell and CTL epitopes from tumour antigens over-expressed by cancer cells. Antibodies are ideal vectors for carrying T cell epitopes from tumour antigens as they can effectively target dendritic cells via their Fc receptors, allowing efficient stimulation of high avidity and high frequency helper and CTL responses.

The ImmunoBody® technology can be adapted to provide the basis for treating any tumour type and may also be of potential utility in the development of vaccines against hepatitis, HIV and other chronic infectious diseases.

About PharmaNet Development Group, Inc.

PharmaNet Development Group, Inc., a global drug development services company, provides a comprehensive range of services to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, generic drug and medical device industries. The Company offers early and late stage consulting, Phase I clinical studies and bioanalytical analyses, and Phase II, III and IV clinical development programs. With approximately 2,300 employees and 40 facilities throughout the world, PharmaNet is a recognized leader in outsourced clinical development. For more information, please visit www.pharmanet.com.

Scancell Holdings Plc, (PLUS:SCLP) the parent company of Scancell Limited (‘Scancell’), the developer of therapeutic cancer vaccines based on its patented ImmunoBody® platform, is pleased to announce that the current Good Manufacturing Practice (‘cGMP’) production of Scancell’s SCIB1 DNA vaccine has been successfully completed ahead of the planned clinical trials that are expected to commence on schedule in H1 2010.

SCIB1 is being developed for the treatment of melanoma. The vaccine has been developed using Scancell’s patent-protected ImmunoBody® technology platform that overcomes the current limitations of most cancer vaccines by generating the high-avidity T-cells that kill cancer cells. Melanoma kills over 1,800 people every year in the UK, with over 130,000 new cases of the disease being reported annually worldwide. Advanced melanoma currently has a very poor prognosis with late stage (stage IV) disease having a median survival of approximately 6 months.

The cGMP manufacturing was completed by AIM-Listed Cobra Biomanufacturing Plc (AIM:CBF), the international manufacturer of biopharmaceuticals. The final release of the product for SCIB1 clinical trials is anticipated mid-Q4 2009 and will be undertaken by Cobra’s in-house QP.

David Evans, Chairman of Scancell, commented:

“Cobra Biomanufacturing has done an excellent job manufacturing our SCIB1 DNA vaccine on time and on budget. This is another important step forward towards our goal of starting clinical trials with SCIB1 in the first half of 2010.”

Simon Saxby, Chief Executive of Cobra Biomanufacturing said:

”It has been a pleasure to work with Scancell on the production of their SCIB1 vaccine. The two teams have worked closely together to make this a highly successful project and we wish Scancell every success with their clinical trials. The Cobra team look forward to working with Scancell in the future.”

The Directors of the issuer accept responsibility for this announcement.

For further information contact:

Professor Lindy Durrant  -  Scancell Holdings Plc  -  +44 207 245 1100

Adam Reynolds/Vikki Krause  -  Hansard Group  -  +44 7515 922906

Ross Andrews  -  Zeus Capital  -  +44 (0)161 831 1512

About Scancell

Scancell is developing novel therapeutic vaccines for the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases based on its groundbreaking ImmunoBody® technology platform. Scancell’s first cancer vaccine SCIB1 is being developed for the treatment of melanoma and will enter clinical trials in early 2010.

Treating cancer by vaccination allows small non-toxic doses of a vaccine to be administered to a patient, stimulating an immune response. Effective cancer vaccines need to target dendritic cells to stimulate both parts of the cellular immune system; the helper cell system where inflammation is stimulated at the tumour site; and the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte or CTL response where immune system cells are primed to recognise and kill specific cells.

A limitation of many cancer vaccines currently in development is that they cannot specifically target dendritic cells in vivo. Several groups have demonstrated successful vaccination by growing dendritic cells ex vivo, pulsing them with tumour antigens and re-infusing them. However, this procedure is patient specific, time consuming and expensive. Scancell has developed its breakthrough patent protected ImmunoBody® technology to overcome these limitations.

An ImmunoBody® is a DNA vaccine encoding a human antibody or fusion protein engineered to express helper cell and CTL epitopes from tumour antigens over-expressed by cancer cells. Antibodies are ideal vectors for carrying T cell epitopes from tumour antigens as they can effectively target dendritic cells via their Fc receptors, allowing efficient stimulation of high avidity and high frequency helper and CTL responses.

The ImmunoBody® technology can be adapted to provide the basis for treating any tumour type and may also be of potential utility in the development of vaccines against hepatitis, HIV and other chronic infectious diseases.

About Cobra Biomanufacturing Plc:

Cobra Biomanufacturing Plc is a leading international manufacturer of biopharmaceuticals to the lifescience industry. Founded in 1992, Cobra provides innovative manufacturing solutions to the biopharmaceutical industry covering DNA, virus, cellular therapeutics and recombinant protein products. Cobra has developed a range of unique, patented technologies, which underpin a successful revenue generating contract manufacturing business.

www.cobrabio.com

The Directors of Scancell Holdings plc, the parent company of Scancell Limited (‘Scancell’), the developer of therapeutic cancer and infectious disease vaccines based on its patented ImmunoBody® platform, are pleased to announce the preliminary results for Scancell for the year ended 30th April 2009 (‘the Period’).

Highlights:

• Admitted to Plus markets and raised £1.559,502
• Signed deal with Cobra Biomanufacturing Plc to commence Good Manufacturing Practice manufacture of Scancell’s SCIB1 DNA vaccine
• Awarded £250,000 Grant for Research and Development by the East Midlands Development Agency
• Preparations for scheduled 2010 Phase 1 clinical trials of Scancell’s first cancer vaccine for melanoma, SCIB1, continued on time and on budget
• Voted ACQ Magazine Plus Company of the year

Post Period Highlights:

• Merck Serono: signed licensing agreement for two key patents required for further development and commercialisation of protein ImmunoBody® vaccines
• Ichor Medical Systems: agreement signed to use Ichor's TriGrid™ electroporation device for the delivery of SCIB1
• ImmunoVaccine Technologies Inc.: signed a research agreement to explore using IVT’s DepoVax™ delivery system for Scancell’s future ImmunoBody® DNA infectious disease and animal health vaccines
• Zeus Capital appointed as Corporate Advisor

David Evans, Non-Executive Chairman of Scancell, commented:

“I am pleased to report on Scancell’s first successful year as a public company. The Company continues to make good progress towards commencing Phase 1 clinical trials on its first therapeutic cancer vaccine SCIB1 in 2010..Scancell has also entered into a number of significant agreements that will support both SCIB1 and the development of future ImmunoBody® vaccines.”

For further information contact:

Professor Lindy Durrant  -  Scancell Holdings Plc  -  +44 207 245 1100

Adam Reynolds/Vikki Krause  -  Hansard Group  -  +44 7515 922906

Ross Andrews  -  Zeus Capital  -  +44 (0)161 831 1512

View the full results