Herantis Pharma Plc ("Herantis") has published an introductory video explaining the mechanism of its innovative drug candidate Lymfactin®, which it develops as a disease modifying treatment for lymphedema. The video is also published in the Virtual Expo of the Lymphatic Education & Research Network ("LE&RN"), the leading lymphedema advocacy group in the USA also increasing their activities in Europe.

"Collaboration with LE&RN is an important part of our commitment to patients", explains Pekka Simula, CEO of Herantis. "Lymphedema patients are desperately waiting for new treatments and while we believe our Lymfactin® may provide a huge improvement we highly appreciate the holistic work of LE&RN for the patients' well-being. Awareness alone makes a big difference: Knowing that you actually have a disease with a name, and that you are definitely not alone."

Lymfactin®, the world's first clinical stage gene therapy for repairing damages of the lymphatic system, is currently in a Phase 1 clinical study in breast cancer associated lymphedema. Topline data are expected by the end of 2017. Lymfactin® is based on the academic research by professor Kari Alitalo at the University of Helsinki.

About breast-cancer associated lymphedema

Approximately 20% of breast cancer patients who undergo axillary lymph node dissection develop secondary lymphedema, a chronic, progressive, disabling and disfiguring disease that severely affects quality of life. Symptoms include a chronic swelling of an upper limb, thickening and hardening of skin, loss of mobility and flexibility, pain, and susceptibility to secondary infections. Secondary lymphedema is currently treated with compression garments, special massage, and exercises. While these therapies may relief the symptoms in some patients they do not cure lymphedema, which is caused by damage to the lymphatic system. There are currently no approved medicines for the treatment of this condition.

About Lymfactin®

Lymfactin® is a gene therapy expressing the growth factor VEGF-C specific to the development of lymphatic vessels. Based on preclinical studies Lymfactin® triggers the growth of new functional lymphatic vasculature in the damaged area and thus repairs the underlying cause of secondary lymphedema. Lymfactin®, patented by Herantis, is based on the internationally renowned scientific research of academy professor Kari Alitalo and his research group, a national centre of excellence at the University of Helsinki. Herantis also holds patents for a combination therapy, which may expand the use of Lymfactin® in other lymphedemas.

About Herantis Pharma Plc

Herantis Pharma Plc is an innovative drug development company focused on regenerative medicine and unmet clinical needs. Our first-in-class assets are based on globally leading scientific research in their fields: CDNF for disease modification in neurodegenerative diseases, primarily Parkinson's and ALS; and Lymfactin® for breast cancer associated lymphedema, with potential also in primary lymphedema. The shares of Herantis are listed on the First North Finland marketplace run by Nasdaq Helsinki stock exchange.