Helix identifies lead product candidate from DOS47 cancer therapeutic program

AURORA, ON, May 2 /CNW/ - Helix BioPharma today announced the selection
of its lead product candidate derived from its novel DOS47 cancer therapeutic
program. L-DOS47 combines Helix's proprietary DOS47 new drug candidate with a
highly specific antibody, to form a potential new drug product for the
treatment of adenocarcinoma of the lung, the most common form of lung cancer
in the world today.
L-DOS47 uses an antibody developed by the Institute for Biological
Sciences of the National Research Council of Canada (NRC-IBS) to target
cancerous tissues of the lung. The antibody is highly specific for
adenocarcinoma of the lung with minimal cross reactivity to other tissues
based on preliminary histological studies. The Company also has completed
studies showing the ability of L-DOS47 to bind cancer cells in vitro and kill
cancer cells based on DOS47's theorized mechanism of action of local pH
elevation and ammonia production.
Helix has entered into a worldwide exclusive license with NRC-IBS to
develop L-DOS47 as a potential human therapeutic. The license calls for an
upfront fee and certain milestone payments at clinical stages. Helix also has
rights to use the antibody to develop future DOS47 related products.
"The development of L-DOS47 moves Helix a step forward on the
commercialization path of DOS47," said Dr. Donald Segal, President and CEO of
Helix BioPharma. "As part of Helix's business strategy, L-DOS47 for lung
cancer is an example of how DOS47 can act as a therapeutic platform for other
cancers once an appropriate targeting antibody or agent is chosen. L-DOS47
needs to successfully complete a series of preclinical studies in order to be
selected as a candidate for human clinical trials. We are looking forward to
validating L-DOS47 through such a program."
Moving forward, Helix has commenced a formal pharmaceutical development
program for L-DOS47, with the ultimate goal of conducting clinical trials in
patients with adenocarcinoma of the lung. In order to complete this work, the
Company continues to seek the necessary financing to support its objectives.

About DOS47

DOS47 was conceived to offer a novel approach to cancer therapy by
leveraging a natural process in the body called the urea cycle, to produce an
anti-cancer effect. DOS47 is based upon a naturally occurring enzyme called
urease that essentially reverses the urea cycle by breaking down urea into
metabolites that include ammonia and hydroxyl ions. By doing so at the site of
cancerous tissues in the body, DOS47 is believed to modify the
microenvironmental conditions of cancerous cells in a manner that leads to
their death. Among these theorized effects, DOS47 is believed to stimulate an
increase in the pH of the microenvironment surrounding the cancerous cells,
effectively reversing the acidic extra-cellular conditions that are known to
be necessary for cancer cell survival. As well, the local production of
ammonia at the site of cancerous tissues is thought to readily diffuse into
the cancer cells to exert a potent cytotoxic effect by interfering with their
critical metabolic functions. Most important about the DOS47 approach to
cancer therapy, however, is the fact that the enzymatic action of urease at
the site of cancerous cells is believed to be repetitive and sustainable due
to the plentiful supply of urea that is furnished by the body. As such, Helix
believes that the therapeutic potential of DOS47 will be maximized by
combining it with cancer-specific targeting agents, such as antibodies, in
order to allow the repetitive enzymatic effects of DOS47 to be concentrated at
the site of action.

About Adenocarcinoma of the Lung

Lung cancer is now the predominant form of cancer worldwide, and
adenocarcinomas of the lung account for upwards of 35% of all lung cancer
cases. Adenocarcinoma of the lung is most often seen in smokers, but it is
also the most common form of lung cancer seen in non-smokers and persons under
the age of 45. In most cases, adenocarcinomas of the lung are not detected
until late in their course making surgical removal impossible. Today's
treatment options for inoperable cases of adenocarcinoma of the lung are,
unfortunately, of limited effectiveness. At present, less than 10% of persons
with inoperable adenocarcinoma of the lung survive more than 5 years following
diagnosis.

About the National Research Council

Recognized globally for research and innovation, the NRC is a leader in
the development of an innovative, knowledge-based economy for Canada through
science and technology. The NRC operates world-class research facilities, as
well as information, technology and innovation support networks from coast to
coast. Its outstanding people help turn ideas and knowledge into new products,
processes and services, creating value for Canada. The NRC works hand in hand
with partners from industry, government and universities to help ignite the
spark of innovation in communities across the land and to give Canadian
companies a competitive edge in today's marketplace (www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca).

About Helix BioPharma

Helix BioPharma Corp. is a biopharmaceutical company specializing in the
field of cancer therapy. The Company is actively developing innovative
products for the prevention and treatment of cancer based on its proprietary
technologies. Helix's product development initiatives include its Topical
Interferon Alpha-2b, for the treatment of conditions caused by the human
papilloma virus, and its novel DOS47 new drug candidate. Helix is listed on
the TSX under the symbol "HBP".

The Toronto and Frankfurt Stock Exchanges have not reviewed and do not
accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this News
Release. This News Release contains certain forward-looking statements
regarding potential cancer therapeutics under development by the Company.
Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking
terminology such as "potential", "future", "forward", "needs to", "looking
forward", "moving forward", "goal", "to seek", "will be" or variations thereon
or comparable terminology referring to future events or results. Forward
looking statements are statements about the future and are inherently
uncertain, and Helix's actual results could differ materially from those
anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of numerous
factors, including without limitation, uncertainty whether L-DOS47 will be
developed successfully as a drug or at all; uncertainty whether DOS47 will be
developed as a therapeutic for any other cancers; research & development
risks; the risk of technical obsolescence; the need for regulatory approvals,
which may not be obtained in a timely matter or at all; the need for clinical
trials, the occurrence and success of which cannot be assured; intellectual
property risks; marketing/manufacturing and partnership/strategic alliance
risks; the effect of competition; Helix's need for additional future capital,
which may not be available in a timely manner or at all, as well as a
description of other risks and uncertainties affecting Helix and its business,
as contained in news releases and filings with the Canadian Securities
Regulatory Authorities, any of which could cause actual results to vary
materially from current results or Helix's anticipated future results.  
Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, opinions and expectations
of Helix's management at the time they are made, and Helix does not assume any
obligation to update any forward-looking statement should those beliefs,
opinions or expectations, or other circumstances change.