Lion's Phase 2 study of lead product, LN-144, for the treatment of refractory, metastatic melanoma continues uninterrupted

/EINPresswire.com/ -- NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwired - April 17, 2016) - Lion Biotechnologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: LBIO), a biotechnology company that is developing novel cancer immunotherapies based on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), announced that it has learned that the cell therapy manufacturing facilities at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) are undergoing a voluntary internal review by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in connection with the NIH's review of all NCI facilities involving sterile material. TIL studies conducted by the NCI are among those suspended until the review is complete.

The review of the NCI's manufacturing facilities does not affect Lion's manufacturing capabilities. Lion has manufacturing services agreements with Lonza Walkersville, Inc. and WuXi AppTec to manufacture, package, ship, and perform quality assurance and quality control of TIL therapy.

Additionally, Lion's TIL research and development programs, including its ongoing Phase 2 study of LN-144 in the treatment of refractory metastatic melanoma continues without interruption.

About Lion Biotechnologies

Lion Biotechnologies, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the development of cancer immunotherapy products for the treatment of various cancers. The company's lead product candidate is an adoptive cell therapy using tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) for the treatment of patients with refractory metastatic melanoma, and is based on a clinical Cooperative Research and Development Agreement with the National Cancer Institute. TIL therapy is also being evaluated in physician-sponsored clinical trials at MD Anderson Cancer Center and Moffitt Cancer Center. For more information, please visit http://www.lionbio.com.

Forward-Looking Statements for Lion Biotechnologies

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including risks related to the Company's ability to complete its ongoing Phase 2 study of LN-144 and the other risks and uncertainties described in the Company's most recently filed quarterly report on Form 10-Q and annual report on Form 10-K. Except as permitted by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Investor Contact:
Sarah McCabe
Stern Investor Relations, Inc.
212-362-1200

Media Contact:
Jody LoMenzo
inVentive Health Public Relations
804-347-9564