TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / November 13, 2020 / Theralase Technologies Inc. ("Theralase" or the "Company") (TSXV:TLT) (OTCQB:TLTFF), a clinical stage pharmaceutical company focused on the research and development of light activated Photo Dynamic Compounds ("PDC") and their associated drug formulations used to safely and effectively destroy various cancers, bacteria and viruses announced today that its PDC technology has demonstrated a high kill rate in a preclinical analysis of coronavirus, Biological Safety Level ("BSL-2").
Theralase previously reported that the Company's PDC technology was effective in the destruction of Influenza H1N1 and Zika viruses at low nanomolar concentrations. These studies were expanded to include coronavirus (BSL-2). As a note, COVID-19 is caused by coronavirus (BSL-3), not coronavirus (BSL-2). An assay was established to measure coronavirus destruction and using this new assay the Theralase® PDC technology was able to destroy coronavirus (BSL-2) with drug doses 5 times lower than what was used to kill Influenza H1N1 and Zika viruses. These drug doses demonstrated a 99.995% destruction rate of the BSL-2 coronavirus and are significantly lower than those used by the Company to treat cancers; hence safe for human use. All coronaviruses are considered similar in their structure and these new results strongly suggest that Theralase®'s PDC will be highly effective against the SARS-CoV-2 (coronavirus (BSL-3)) virus responsible for COVID-19.
Dr. Kevin Coombs, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Medical Microbiology, who is the principal investigator for the Theralase® PDC destruction of coronavirus (BSL-2) stated "The Theralase® compound is extremely effective in the destruction of this virus. I strongly believe that it will be equally effective against the SARS-CoV-2 (coronavirus (BSL-3)), responsible for the current COVID-19 pandemic. This lays the ground work for an effective COVID-19 vaccine using Theralase®'s patented PDC technology. Further studies are underway to determine the Mechanism Of Action ("MOA"). I look forward to continue working with Dr. Arkady Mandel and the Theralase team in the development of this exciting technology".
Dr. Arkady Mandel, M.D. Ph.D., DSc Chief Scientific Officer, Theralase Technologies Inc. stated, "We are excited that the two stages of our research, and development of a COVID-19 vaccine have been successful; specifically: the destruction of lipid enveloped Influenza H1N1 and Zika viruses followed by the destruction of the coronavirus (BSL-2) virus with Theralase®'s patented PDC. We look forward to expanding this research and development to SARS-CoV-2 (coronavirus (BSL-3)), responsible for the current COVID-19 pandemic, in the development of a safe and effective vaccine in the not too distant future."
In August 2020, Theralase® executed a Sponsored Research Agreement ("SRA") with the University of Manitoba ("UM") Medical Microbiology department to commence development of a coronavirus vaccine utilizing Theralase's patented and proprietary PDCs specifically TLD-1433. Currently the UM research is completing the preclinical (in-vitro) stage. Theralase® plans to commence an in-vivo small animal study later this year at another facility equipped to handle SARS-CoV-2 viruses and if successful commence human clinical studies in 2021, subject to suitable financing.
The Company does not claim or profess that they have the ability to treat, cure or prevent the contraction of the COVID-19 Coronavirus.
About TLD-1433
TLD-1433 is a patented PDC with over 10 years of published peer reviewed preclinical research and is currently under investigation in a Phase II Non Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer ("NMIBC") clinical study for Bacillus Calmette-Gurin ("BCG")-unresponsive patients at 4 Canadian clinical study sites.
About Theralase® Technologies Inc.
Theralase® is a clinical stage pharmaceutical company dedicated to the research and development of light activated Photo Dynamic Compounds and their associated drug formulations intended to safely and effectively destroy various cancers, bacterias and viruses.
Additional information is available at www.theralase.com and www.sedar.com
https://www.biospace.com/article/releases/theralase-technology-demonstrates-high-kill-rate-of-coronavirus-bsl-2-/