BioCancell's research and development activities build upon the research of Professor Abraham Hochberg of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, who isolated the H19 gene in humans, and determined that it is significantly expressed in over thirty-three different forms of cancer, including superficial bladder carcinoma and pancreatic, ovarian and metastatic liver cancer, while laying dormant and non-expressed in non-cancerous cells.  Research has also demonstrated that the H19 gene plays a significant role in the tumor development process by enabling tumor cells to survive under stress conditions, such as low serum and low oxygen levels, that are typical conditions of the environment in which cancerous cells develop.  This survival supports the growth of the tumor and the development of metastases.

The research and understanding of the origin of cancer and metastases has progressed significantly in recent years. It is currently understood that embryogenesis, the process by which the embryo is formed and develops, possesses characteristics similar to those of the cancer development process, with the H19 gene expressed in both. The process of formation of metastases is similar in its characteristics to epithelial mesenchymal transition, or EMT, a process in which the H19 gene is also present. EMT is essential for numerous developmental processes including mesoderm formation and neural tube formation. 

In light of recently-achieved scientific breakthroughs in cancer research, and the role of the H19 gene in such processes, it is believed that an anti-cancer drug based on the H19 gene has the potential to provide benefits that are competitive with existing treatment methods.