Toronto, Ontario (FSCwire) - Theralase Technologies Inc. (“Theralase®”
or the “Company”) (TSXV: TLT) (OTCQX: TLTFF), a clinical stage
pharmaceutical company dedicated to the research and development of light activated Photo Dynamic Compounds
(“PDCs”) and their associated drug formulations to safely and effectively destroy various cancers, announced
today that it has been notified that it has been granted allowance for a Canadian patent to issue later this year for
Rutherrin® (TLD-1433 PDC combined with transferrin) for the treatment of cancer.
Arkady Mandel, M.D., Ph.D., D.Sc., Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Scientific Officer of Theralase and the inventor
of the technology stated that; “Allowance of one of the Company’s key patents is timely as we approach the completion of
enrollment in our Phase Ib trial for Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer (“NMIBC”). If successful, the
Company looks forward to commencing Phase II NMIBC clinical study. The Company is currently completing preclinical research and
entering into clinical development for two additional cancer indications; specifically: GlioBlastoma Multiforme
(“GBM”), a deadly form of brain cancer and Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (“NSCLC”). This patent,
when issued, will validate the proprietary position of the Company’s Rutherrin® technology for the Canadian
healthcare market, demonstrating Theralase’s ongoing commitment to the development of a comprehensive intellectual property
portfolio, attractive to an early stage partner.”
Rutherrin® technology encompasses the use of a wide range of compounds from Theralase’s expansive library of
patented metal-based PDCs, combined with a metal-binding glycoprotein, such as transferrin.
Rutherrin® has been designed for intravenous administration and has been demonstrated preclinically to be highly effective in
a number of established animal models of human cancer, including GBM and NSCLC.
The allowance of this patent positions Theralase to launch its Rutherrin® technology throughout Canada, following the
successful completion of its ongoing preclinical program.
Next steps planned by the Company to develop this technology include:
1. Recruitment and retention of neurological and thoracic oncology specialists to the Theralase Medical and
Scientific Advisory Board (“MSAB”) to advise the Company on clinical study design;
2. Optimization of the preclinical research for GBM and NSCLC and if successful;
3. Design and commencement of Phase Ib GBM and NSCLC clinical studies
About Rutherrin®
On the cellular surface of all cells, there are carrier proteins known as Transferrin Receptors (“TfRs”). The
TfR’s main role is to link with the glycoprotein Transferrin (“Tf”) to enable the cell to absorb iron, an
essential element required for energy production and metabolism.
Due to the high proliferation rate of cancer cells (which makes them so deadly to the human body), they possess a greater
quantity of TfRs and hence they absorb a greater quantity of iron than normal cells.
TLD-1433 is a Theralase patented ruthenium metal-based molecule. Ruthenium is a transitional VIII metal element (as is Iron
and Osmium), in the periodic table, that possesses similar properties to iron.
Theralase has demonstrated that TLD-1433 bonds with transferrin to produce Rutherrin® and in so doing, TLD-1433 is able to be
selectively transported, preferentially, and in much higher quantities to cancer cells versus normal cells through the TfR.
Once inside the cancer cell, TLD-1433, when light activated, produces a violent form of oxygen, known as Reactive Oxygen
Species (“ROS”), that is able to effectively destroy the cancer cell from the inside out.
According to the Canadian patent’s claims, that will issue later this year, Rutherrin® possesses one or all
of the following characteristics:
a) increased uptake by cancer cells;
b) increased efficacy at wavelengths less than, equal to or longer than 600 nm;
c) increased production of ROS;
d) increased Photo Dynamic Therapy (“PDT”) effect under hypoxic or non-hypoxic conditions;
e) increased Maximum Tolerated Dose (“MTD”);
f) increased photostability; and / or
g) increased shelf-life
Rutherrin® technology is patent pending in the United States, European Union, Brazil, Russia, India and
China. These countries account for approximately 65% of the world’s Gross Domestic Product (“GDP”)
(2015 statistics). If patents are allowed to issue in these countries, the Rutherrin®
technology will be able to be fully commercialized and protected in these major medical markets.
About NMIBC
In 2016, an estimated 79,030 adults (60,490 men and 18,540 women) were diagnosed with bladder cancer in the United States.
Among men, bladder cancer is the fourth most common cancer. It is estimated that 16,870 deaths (12,240 men and 4,630 women) from
this disease will occur in 2016. Among men, bladder cancer is eighth most common cause of cancer death.
About GBM
There are an estimated 24,000 new cases of malignant gliomas diagnosed in the US annually, with more than 14,000
deaths. In the majority of cases, they recur following initial treatment, especially for GBM, the most common and lethal form of
brain cancer. Most patients do not survive beyond 2 years, post diagnosis.
About NSCLC
Lung cancer is by far the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women. Out of all types of lung cancer, NSCLC
accounts for 80 to 85% of cases. The American Cancer Society’s estimates for lung cancer in the United States for 2018 are:
- About 234,030 new cases of lung cancer (121,680 in men and 112,350 in women)
- About 154,050 deaths from lung cancer (83,550 in men and 70,500 in women)
About Theralase Technologies Inc.
Theralase® is a clinical stage pharmaceutical company dedicated to the research and development of light activated Photo
Dynamic Compounds (“PDCs”) and their associated drug formulations to safely and effectively destroy various
cancers. The Company in its Cool Laser Division designs, manufactures and distributes patented and proprietary super-pulsed cool
laser technology for the treatment of knee pain, and in off-label use, the treatment of numerous nerve, muscle and joint
conditions.
Additional information is available at www.theralase.com and www.sedar.com.
This news release contains "forward-looking statements" which reflect the current expectations of
management of the Corporation’s future growth, results of operations, performance and business prospects and opportunities. Such
statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding Theralase’s proposed development plans with respect to Photo
Dynamic Compounds and their drug formulations. Wherever possible, words such as "may", "would",
"could", “should”, "will", "anticipate",
"believe", "plan", "expect", "intend",
"estimate", "potential for" and similar expressions have been used to identify these
forward-looking statements. These statements reflect management's current beliefs with respect to future events and are based on
information currently available to management. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks, uncertainties and
assumptions including with respect to the ability of Theralase to: successfully complete the preclinical research and
development, secure the requisite regulatory approvals to commence Phase Ib GBM and NSCLC clinical
studies, fund and implement its development plans, including with respect to commencing a Phase II
NMIBC clinical study. Many factors could cause the Corporation’s actual results, performance or achievements to
be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such
forward-looking statements; including, without limitation, those listed in the filings made by the Corporation with the Canadian
securities regulatory authorities (which may be viewed at www.sedar.com). Should one or more
of these risks or uncertainties materialize or should assumptions underlying the forward looking statements prove incorrect,
actual results, performance or achievements may vary materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements
contained in this news release. These factors should be considered carefully and prospective investors should not place undue
reliance on the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in the press release are based upon
what management currently believes to be reasonable assumptions, the Corporation cannot assure prospective investors that actual
results, performance or achievements will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. The Corporation disclaims any
intention or obligation to revise forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future developments or
otherwise except as required by law. All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary
statement.
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:
1.866.THE.LASE (843-5273)
416.699.LASE (5273)
info@theralase.com
www.theralase.com
To view the associated document to this release, please click on the following link:
public://news_release_pdf/Theralase03072018.pdf
To view the original release, please click here
Source: Theralase Technologies Inc. (TSX Venture:TLT, OTCQX:TLTFF, FWB:TTX)
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