Tetra Bio-Pharma Inc. (TBPMF) Provides Update on its Hepatocellular Carcinoma Drug HCC011

 Tetra Bio-Pharma Inc. (“Tetra” or the “Company”) (TSX-V:TBP) (OTCQB:TBPMF), a leader in cannabinoid-derived drug discovery and development, today announced it will be requesting a meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to discuss the drug development program for its Orphan Drug candidate HCC011, inhaled delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), also known as primary liver cancer, is the most common form of liver cancer and is responsible for 80 percent of the primary malignant liver tumors in adults.  In addition to quality of life benefits to cancer patients, based on preclinical research, HCC011 should also have antitumor effects.  The Phase 2 study of HCC011 will target patients with disease progression on Sorafenib, have measurable disease, and Child-Pugh Class A liver impairment.  The Phase 2 trial will consist of a single arm.  Patients will receive the HCC011 by inhalation three times daily, in combination with Sorafenib, until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.  The study design is similar to the ones used by recent drugs seeking accelerated approval.  The Disease control rate will be assessed based on the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST); the overall survival and time to progression will be closely monitored over time. Patients will also beneficiate of the anti-emetic effect of HCC011, which will participate in improving their quality of life.

The company intends to file an NDA for HCC011 via the 505(b)(2) pathway.  The FDA has three approval pathways by which drugs may gain approval and the 505(b)(2) new drug application (NDA) is one of the three ways created by the Hatch-Waxman Amendments of 1984, with 505(b)(2) referring to a specific section of the U.S. Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The provisions of a 505(b)(2) provide manufacturers who have certain types of drugs with an opportunity to acquire FDA approval without performing all the work that’s required with a standard 505(b)(1) NDA.

Additionally, 505(b)(2) pathway allows for the ability to pursue additional designations such as fast track and accelerated approval to complement its already granted Orphan Drug Designation for HCC011 in HCC.  Orphan drug designation provides certain benefits and incentives, such as seven-year marketing exclusivity, protocol assistance from the FDA, tax credits of 50% of the clinical drug testing cost awarded upon approval, and a waiver of the prescription drug user fee. The company fully intends to seek out additional designations where appropriate.

The HCC011 orphan drug candidate benefits from Tetra’s significant clinical data on the pharmacokinetics, safety and pharmacodynamics of inhaled cannabinoids. The company will also benefit from its previous investment in its GMP compliant manufacturing facility for these inhaled new drugs that holds an active Drug Establishment License (DEL) from Health Canada.

“We are very excited to bring HCC011 to clinical trials to help patients suffering from hepatocellular carcinoma and believe the 505(b)(2) pathway is the right approach for us, as we will be able to leverage our data and the data of others,” said Dr. Guy Chamberland, CEO and Chief Regulatory Officer of Tetra Bio-Pharma.  “This regulatory strategy combined with the Orphan status will provide major cost savings to shareholders.  Post our meeting with FDA, we hope to gain clarity on our filing and marketing requirements, including input from the Agency on the design of our planned Phase 2 trial for HCC011 in HCC.  We plan to provide an update once we have concurrence with the FDA.”

About Tetra Bio-Pharma
Tetra Bio-Pharma (TSX-V:TBP) (OTCQB:TBPMF) is a biopharmaceutical leader in cannabinoid-based drug discovery and development with a Health Canada approved, and FDA reviewed, clinical program aimed at bringing novel prescription drugs and treatments to patients and their healthcare providers. The Company has several subsidiaries engaged in the development of an advanced and growing pipeline of Bio Pharmaceuticals, Natural Health and Veterinary Products containing cannabis and other medicinal plant-based elements. With patients at the core of what we do, Tetra Bio-Pharma is focused on providing rigorous scientific validation and safety data required for inclusion into the existing bio pharma industry by regulators, physicians and insurance companies.

For more information visit: www.tetrabiopharma.com

Source: Tetra Bio-Pharma

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Forward-looking statements
Some statements in this release may contain forward-looking information. All statements, other than of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future (including, without limitation, statements regarding potential acquisitions and financings) are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by use of the words “may”, “will”, “should”, “continue”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “believe”, “intend”, “plan” or “project” or the negative of these words or other variations on these words or comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company’s ability to control or predict, that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things, without limitation, the inability of the Company to obtain sufficient financing to execute the Company’s business plan; competition; regulation and anticipated and unanticipated costs and delays, the success of the Company’s research and development strategies, including the success of this product  or any other product, the applicability of the discoveries made therein, the successful and timely completion and uncertainties related to the regulatory process, the timing of clinical trials, the timing and outcomes of regulatory or intellectual property decisions and other risks disclosed in the Company’s public disclosure record on file with the relevant securities regulatory authorities. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results or events not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company does not undertake an obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect new information, subsequent events or otherwise unless required by applicable securities legislation.

For further information, please contact Tetra Bio-Pharma Inc.:

Investor Contact:
Bruce Mackle
LifeSci Advisors LLC
646-889-1200
Tetrainvestors@LifeSciAdvisors.com

Media Contact: 
Andrew Mielach
LifeSci Public Relations
646-876-5868
amielach@lifescipublicrelations.com

Canada:
Carol Levine
Energi PR
514-288-8500 ext. 226
carol.levine@energipr.com