Isotechnika Pharma's Partner 3SBio Recieves Approval for Phase 3 Trial of Voclosporin in China
EDMONTON, Alberta, June 28, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Isotechnika Pharma Inc. (TSX:ISA) ("Isotechnika" or the "Company") announced today that 3SBio Inc. (Nasdaq:SSRX), a leading China-based biotechnology company focused on researching, developing, manufacturing and marketing biopharmaceutical products, has received approval from the State Food and Drug Administration ("SFDA") to conduct a multi-center phase 3 trial of voclosporin in China.
According to the approved protocol, this will be a phase 3, randomized, multi-center, concentration-controlled and comparison study in kidney transplant patients. Patient enrollment is expected to begin in Q3 2012.
In 2010, Isotechnika granted 3SBio exclusive rights to all transplant and autoimmune indications of voclosporin in China, including Hong Kong and Taiwan, excluding ophthalmic indications and medical devices. 3SBio is responsible for the clinical development, registration and commercialization of voclosporin in China. Isotechnika will receive ongoing royalties based on sales of voclosporin by 3SBio.
About Isotechnika Pharma Inc.
Isotechnika Pharma Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of immunomodulating therapeutics designed to offer key safety advantages over currently available treatments. Its lead drug, voclosporin, is a calcineurin inhibitor, and is targeted at the estimated US$3.0 billion market for this class of immunosuppressants. Isotechnika Pharma Inc. trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "ISA". More information on Isotechnika Pharma can be found at www.isotechnika.com or www.sedar.com.
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CONTACT: Dr. Robert Foster Chairman & CEO 780-487-1600 (x247) rfoster@isotechnika.com Dr. Launa Aspeslet Chief Operating Officer 780-487-1600 (x225) laspeslet@isotechnika.com Leonard Zehr Managing Director Kilmer Lucas Inc. 905-906-6908 leonard@kilmerlucas.com
