(via Thenewswire.ca)
Toronto, Ontario - February 13, 2014 - Theralase Technologies Inc. (TSXV: TLT) reported today that a recently published scientific paper demonstrated that its new family of Photo Dynamic Compounds (PDCs) has been proven to significantly destroy 2 types of bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus (s. aureus) and Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)) in low oxygen atmospheres. The results are considered pivotal because the Theralase PDCs efficacy has been validated in both normal and low oxygen environments. Since the Theralase PDC platform technology is able to be used in both bacteria and cancer destruction, the described technology is offering a new paradigm for destruction of low oxygenated cancerous tumours. (Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther. Dec;10(4):615-25).
"The ability for the PDC technology to be effective in low oxygen environments is considered to be an essential factor in the recurrence and progression of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. This form of disease represents up to 75% of newly diagnosed bladder cancer cases accounting for more than 386,000 cases and 150,000 deaths annually worldwide," said Dr. Arkady Mandel, Chief Scientific Officer of Theralase Inc. Dr. Mandel continued: "The abnormal decrease or the lack of oxygen supply to cells and tissues is called hypoxia and commonly presents in solid cancers, such as brain, bladder, breast, lung and prostate. Hypoxic cancers are extremely aggressive, resistant to standard therapies (chemotherapy and radiotherapy), and thus very difficult to destroy. Tumor hypoxia is known to play a role in cancer metastasis (spread) and resistance to therapy, as well as the ability of cancer cells to escape destruction by the immune system. The evidence supporting the Theralase PDC technology represents a potential solution for hypoxic cancers. In our work, we described a family of Theralase PDCs that have shown an ability to switch their photoreactivity from a Type II reaction (oxygen dependent) to a Type I (free radical mediated) reaction. This is strategic to the Company in that a Type I reaction is unique and opens the opportunity of using the PDCs beyond sterilization and the treatment of superficial cancerous lesions to the treatment of harder to treat tumours".
Dr. Lothar Lilge, Senior Scientist at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network stated that, "In well oxygenated environments, these new PDCs generate singlet oxygen, a dominant cytotoxic substance with close to 100% efficacy, yet under hypoxia (low oxygen) conditions, they display the remarkable ability to switch to a Type I or oxygen independent cytotoxic substance owing to their ability to simultaneously act as an excited state oxidant and reductant. The intrinsic positive charge of the Ru(II) metal combined with the oxygen independent light activated cytotoxicity demonstrated by this family of PDCs opens a new strategy for destroying both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria regardless of oxygenation level. Therefore, this has a significant impact on the destruction of cancer cells by PDC technology, as a considerable fraction of cancer will survive in low oxygen environments and according to the literature this is one of the causes for recurrence of cancer post therapy."
Dr. Michael Jewett, Clinical Principal Scientific Investigator at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network and University of Toronto stated that, "I am extremely encouraged by the results of this scientific work and the implications that it may have in the destruction of bladder Transitional Cell Carcinoma, as the bladder is traditionally known as a very low oxygen environment. There has not been a new drug approved for bladder cancer since 1998 and I am looking forward to working with the Theralase team to initiate a Phase 1 / 2 clinical trial in 1Q2015."
About Theralase Technologies Inc.
Theralase Technologies Inc. designs, manufactures and markets patented, superpulsed laser technology used in healing injured tissue and destroying cancer. Theralase technology is safe and effective in eliminating pain, reducing inflammation and accelerating tissue regeneration of numerous nerve, muscle and joint injuries. Theralase is actively developing patented technology that is able to target and destroy cancers, bacteria and viruses when light activated.
Additional information is available at www.theralase.com and www.sedar.com .
This press release contains forward-looking statements, which reflect the Company's current expectations regarding future events. The forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those projected herein. The Company disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchanges) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
For More Information, please contact:
Roger Dumoulin-White,
President & CEO
416-699-LASE (5273) ext. 225
rwhite@theralase.com
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