Theralase Discovers Cannabinoid Increases Efficacy of Patented Anti-Cancer Technology in Destruction of Brain Cancer

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 the filing of a US patent application detailing the discovery of a significant increase in the destruction of cancer cells, when Theralase’s patented anti-cancer technology is combined with cannabinoids.

In preclinical experiments, Theralase scientific researchers combined a specific cannabinoid with their patented anti-cancer Photo Dynamic Therapy (“PDT”) technology to produce an unexpected synergistic effect in the destruction of rat glioma brain cancer cells (“RG2”).

In the study, RG2 brain cancer cells were preconditioned, in-vitro, with a specific cannabinoid and then subjected to Theralase’s anti-cancer technology. The researchers discovered that the efficacy of this combined treatment increased 250%, compared to treatment with Theralase’s anti-cancer technology or the specific cannabinoid alone. 

Mark Roufaiel, Ph.D., research scientist at Theralase stated, “The latest data demonstrates that the use of a selected and non-toxic cannabinoid is able to increase the killing effect of Theralase’s anti-cancer PDT in a synergistic manner, leading to an effect greater than the sum of their individual effects. These results strongly suggest that a specific cannabinoid could be used to increase tumour destruction and improve therapeutic outcomes.”

Arkady Mandel, M.D., Ph.D., D.Sc., Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Scientific Officer at Theralase stated that, “The anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative properties of cannabinoids may provide additional benefits to our patented anti-cancer technology.  Our scientific research team undertook experiments to combine PDT and a cannabinoid to assess if there were any perceived benefits. In order to observe the effects of the specific cannabinoid, the PDT drug and light doses were reduced and hence the efficacy of the anti-cancer technology at these levels. Lo and behold, we discovered that the combination of these two technologies produced a greater than anticipated synergistic effect.”

Dr. Mandel went on to say, “We had expected the pairing of the two technologies to produce an additive effect, that is, the efficacy of one technology would “add” to the efficacy of the other technology, as in a one plus one equals two scenario. Instead, we were pleasantly surprised to discover that these two technologies, when used in combination, produced a much higher kill rate than expected, delivering results where one plus one now equals three and one half.”

The graph below depicts the preclinical results obtained:

1) Control - no treatment, no effect

2) Theralase® PDT alone (10%)

3) Specific cannabinoid alone (10%)

4) Hypothetical expected additive effect of the specific cannabinoid + PDT (20%)

5) Actual observed synergistic effect of the specific cannabinoid, when combined with Theralase’s PDT (35%)

To view the graphic in its original size, please click here

Dr. Mandel stated, “I am very pleased with these preclinical results and if we are able to translate this technology successfully to humans, it strongly suggests that specific cannabinoids could be used to increase the efficacy of Theralase’s anti-cancer PDT technology in the destruction of deadly cancers, such as Glioblastoma Multiforme (“GBM”) brain cancer. The initial results reported are the first of a set of experiments planned by our scientific research team in the field of combining cannabinoids with Theralase’s PDT technology and also our anti-cancer vaccine, RuVaCare, in the destruction of human cancers. We believe this research will provide a strong foundation for a “first-in-man” clinical study, where the Company’s patented anti-cancer technology and / or anti-cancer vaccine will be combined with cannabinoid(s) in the treatment of cancer.

Dr. Mandel concluded by saying that, “This latest preclinical research lays the groundwork for the Company to actively seek strategic partnerships in the co-development of this combined technology for the treatment of specific human cancers, such as GBM. The Company plans to explore these avenues in the immediate future, with the hopes of securing a joint venture with a company interested in the development of this combination technology, such as a Canadian cannabis producer.”

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 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 a Phase Ib GBM clinical study, with and without the use of cannabinoids, fund and implement its development plans, including with respect to commencing a Phase I GBM 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

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