Helix BioPharma Corp. - New directions in cervical cancer prevention

ADVOCACY AWARENESS

The TIFNα2b formulation incorporates Helix’s patented Biphasix™ technology, designed to facilitate the topical delivery of macromolecules, such as Interferon Alpha-2b, into the cervical epidermis. TIFNα2b is intended to combat HPV infections that otherwise would potentially cause abnormal cellular proliferation in the form of cervical lesions.

Biphasix™ Technology
Helix’s Drug Candidate: Topical Interferon Alpha-2b

CERVICAL CANCER PREVENTION
Cervical cancer is the second most prevalent cancer in women worldwide.²  It remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths for women in the majority of developing countries ³.  The disease is in need of a new and novel approach for prevention.  Nearly all cases (99.7%) of cervical cancer are associated with the presence of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV),¹ currently the most common sexually transmitted infection.⁴

The National Cancer Institute estimated in 2009 that 1.25 million women in the US would be diagnosed that year with potentially precancerous cervical lesions upon Pap smear assessment (NCI Cervical Cancer Prevention, 2009).

Cervical HPV infection can cause potentially precancerous lesions detectable upon Pap smear and colposcopic assessment, referred to as squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL) or cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) respectively. There is no pharmaceutical treatment available for these cervical lesions today. Today, HPV’s primary prevention method is a one-time vaccination given prior to HPV exposure.  Hopefully, vaccine administration combined with early education and awareness efforts, will reduce the number of unnecessary cases.  This is particularly important in parts of the world with limited access to proper medical assistance. Helix believes its Topical Interferon Alpha-2b will complement the HPV vaccines by offering a safe therapeutic  solution for patients that already have or continue to develop HPV-induced cervical lesions despite vaccination.

• Offer a potent drug therapy for the treatment of low-grade cervical lesions, a condition where no pharmaceutical treatment exists today.

• Be self-administered by patients in the convenience of their home.

• Empower women with a safe and proactive pharmaceutical treatment approach vs. traditional “wait and see” observational management practices.

• Increase women's chances of obviating the need for treatment by potentially dangerous/damaging, ablative/excisional surgical procedures.

CORPORATE CONTACT
Helix BioPharma Corp.
John Docherty-President & COO 
docherty@helixbiopharma.com

Disclaimer

Nothing in this document is intended as an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy securities of Helix BioPharma Corp. (“Helix”). It is a short summary of selected information. More detailed information about Helix and Topical Interferon Alpa-2b, including risk factors, is contained in Helix’s public filings with securities regulatory authorities in Canada and the United States at www.sedar.com and www.sec.gov, respectively. The information contained herein is based on Helix’s knowledge at the time of printing this document. Helix makes no guarantee as to the accuracy or completeness of such information and assumes no responsibility or liability with respect thereto.  This summary contains forward-looking statements and information about Helix and its Topical Interferon Alpha-2b drug candidate, including Helix’s planned pharmaceutical development program, clinical trials, and commercialization plans.  Certain material factors or assumptions are applied in making forward-looking statements and providing forward-looking information, including, but not limited to, receipt of necessary additional funding, successful clinical trials, strategic partner support and regulatory approvals. Helix’s actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements and information due to a number of risks and uncertainties, including without limitation, those contained in Helix’s publicly filed documents at the websites referred to above and that Helix’s assumptions may prove to be incorrect. Forward-looking statements and information are based on the beliefs, assumptions, 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 or information should those beliefs, assumptions, opinions or expectations change except as required by law.

References

(1.) Ault, K.A.  Epidemiology and Natural History of Human Papillomavirus Infections in the Female Genital    Tract. Infec Dis Obs Gyn; 2006; 1-5.

(2.) National Cervical Cancer Coalition (NCCC)  Available at: www.nccc-online.org - Accessed March 16,2011

The World Health Organization (WHO)  Available at: www.who.int/entity/mediacentre/factsheets/fs297/en/index.html - Accessed March 16,2011

(3.) Ferlay J, Bray P, Pizani P, Parkin DM. GLOBOCAN 2002: Cancer Incidence, mortality and prevalence worldwide. IARC CancerBase No 5, Version 2 0 IARCPress, Lyon, 2004. Available at: http://www.iarc.fr -  Accessed September 20, 2005

(4.) Insinga R, Glass A, Rush B. The Health Care Costs of Cervical Human Papillomavirus – Related Disease.  American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2004; 191: 114-20.