Cytochroma Inc. Release: CTA002, A Novel Vitamin D Analog, Shows Significant Anti-Tumor Activity In Human Neuroblastoma

MARKHAM, ON, April 26 /PRNewswire/ - Cytochroma Inc. today announced the publication of a study in a recent issue of Journal of Cellular Biochemistry (97:198-206, 2006) describing the anti-tumor effects of CTA002 (QW1624F2-2) in a human neuroblastoma xenograft model. The paper, entitled "Anticancer Effects of the Novel 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 Hybrid Analog QW1624F2-2 in Human Neuroblastoma" demonstrates that this particular vitamin D analog inhibits tumor growth without inducing toxic side effects.

"The results of this study are consistent with the data from in vitro and in vivo studies with this compound in a number of cancers," said James M. Rae, Cytochroma's CEO. "This present study provides support for accelerating the development of Cytochroma's oncology program and we anticipate the advancement of this particular compound into clinical trials by 2007".

About CTA002

CTA002, also known as QW1624F2-2, is a novel vitamin D analog with a dual mechanism of action. It is a strong activator of the vitamin D signaling pathway and also a potent inhibitor of CYP24 activity (the enzyme responsible for the catabolism of vitamin D). Cytochroma has shown, in both in vitro and in vivo cancer models, that CTA002 is synergistic with standard chemotherapeutics as well as, by itself, possessing anti-tumorigenic effects without causing toxicity. In vivo studies have shown that CTA002 is approximately 100-fold less calcemic than calcitriol when given orally. CTA002 was specifically designed by Prof. Gary H. Posner and is protected under patents and patent applications exclusively licensed to Cytochroma Inc. from the Johns Hopkins University.

About Cytochroma Inc.

Cytochroma Inc. is a specialty drug development company targeting hyperproliferative disorders, autoimmune diseases and chronic kidney disease. The company is currently focused on developing and commercializing innovative vitamin D analogs and is in or about to enter clinical trials in psoriasis, secondary hyperparathyroidism, autoimmune disorders and cancer. For more information, please visit www.cytochroma.com.

CONTACT: Sheldon Kawarsky, Ph.D., Director, Business Development,Cytochroma Inc., 330 Cochrane Drive, Markham, Ontario, L3R 8E4, CANADA,Phone: (905) 479-5306 ext. 337, Fax: (905) 479-1287,sheldon.kawarsky@cytochroma.com