AURORA, ON, Jan. 31 /CNW/ - Helix BioPharma Corp. (Helix; TSX, FSE: "HBP") today announced the signing of an agreement with the National Research Council of Canada's Institute for Biological Sciences (NRC-IBS), to assist with the ongoing characterization of the lung cancer specific antibody previously licensed to Helix for its L-DOS47 new drug candidate; as well as to identify further novel tumor targeting antibodies. "This joint effort by Helix and NRC-IBS is intended to contribute to the preclinical development program of L-DOS47 in support of Helix's anticipated IND filing," said Dr. Heman Chao, Helix's Vice President of Research. Under the terms of the agreement, Helix will fund the work through the provision of cash and "in kind" research and NRC-IBS will contribute "in kind" research. NRC-IBS has undertaken to negotiate with Helix in good faith to settle the terms of an exclusive worldwide license, with rights to sublicense, that will allow Helix to commercialize all intellectual property arising from this agreement. About L-DOS47 L-DOS47 combines Helix's proprietary DOS47 new drug candidate with a highly specific antibody, to form a potential new targeted drug product for the treatment of adenocarcinoma of the lung, the most common form of cancer in the world today. L-DOS47 is thought to function by leveraging a natural process in the body called the urea cycle, to produce an anti-cancer effect. It 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, L-DOS47 is believed to modify the microenvironmental conditions of lung cancer cells in a manner that leads to their death. Among these theorized effects, L-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. About NRC-IBS 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). With over 75 years of research excellence, the NRC Institute for Biological Sciences (NRC-IBS) consists of a team of leading life science researchers dedicated to spearheading the next breakthrough discoveries and technologies in neurobiology, immunobiology and glycobiology. Driven by these challenges, NRC-IBS is focused on innovative research of interest to the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. About Helix BioPharma Corp. 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 and its novel L-DOS47 new drug candidate. Helix is listed on the TSX under the symbol "HBP", and quoted on the Frankfurt, Berlin, Munich and Stuttgart Stock Exchanges under the same symbol. 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. Helix is not responsible for the information contained in referenced or linked websites, and such information does not form part of this press release. This News Release contains certain forward-looking statements regarding the Company's preclinical development program and IND filing, which statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intended", "anticipated", "to identify", "undertaken to", or that events "will" occur, 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, research and development risks; uncertainty whether an IND will be filed as anticipated or at all; uncertainty whether L-DOS47 will be developed or commercialized successfully; product liability and insurance risks; research & development risks; the Company's dependence on NRC-IBS; the risk of technical obsolescence; the need for further regulatory approvals, which may not be obtained in a timely matter or at all; 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 Helix's latest Annual Information Form filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. 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.