BIRMINGHAM, Ala.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 27, 2004--Atherotech, Inc., a pioneer in cardiodiagnostic technology, and Resverlogix Corp. (TSX Venture:RVX), a Calgary, Alberta-based biotechnology company, today announced a collaboration agreement for the purposes of expanding positive animal model pilot test results and utilizing Atherotech’s VAP(TM) Cholesterol Test as a core part of Resverlogix’s clinical research program. Resverlogix is focused on developing drugs to increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL), the “good cholesterol.”
Under the terms of the agreement, Atherotech will be the sole provider of expanded cholesterol testing for use in Resverlogix’s studies of novel compounds that improve the management of cholesterol by increasing HDL levels. The goal of the collaboration agreement is to adapt Atherotech’s proprietary VAP (Vertical Auto Profile) Cholesterol Test for use in preclinical animal model studies. The VAP Test measures key cholesterol subclasses, allowing clinicians and researchers to better understand and predict the risk of cardiovascular disease -- as well as to design more-effective cholesterol drugs. Testing began in March with preclinical animal studies and will continue through human clinical trials.
“We are pleased that the VAP Test has been selected to play a key role in Resverlogix’s cutting-edge cholesterol research programs,” said Roseanne Varner, Atherotech’s president and chief executive officer. “This agreement is important for both Atherotech and Resverlogix -- not only for invaluable clinical research on the impact of drugs on cholesterol subclasses, but also in terms of marketing these compounds at a later date by demonstrating that the appropriate subfractions of HDL were increased by Resverlogix’s drugs.”
“This is an exciting time to be involved in the field of HDL research, and we are pleased to find in Atherotech a company that is leading the charge in identifying important cholesterol subclasses,” said Donald McCaffrey, president and chief executive officer of Resverlogix. “The value of the VAP Test is becoming more clear as the role of HDL subfractions is better understood through clinical study. We know that HDL subclasses will be more important in terms of heart disease risk assessment and treatment than total HDL alone.”
The VAP Cholesterol Test provides direct, detailed measurements of cholesterol subclasses that play important roles in the development of heart disease but are not measured by routine lipid panels. The blood test complies with updated National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines, which highlight emerging risk factors and secondary targets of therapy for heart disease. The affordable VAP Test is available nationwide through national and regional diagnostic laboratories, and is reimbursed by most payors, including Medicare. Samples, including those from Resverlogix’s studies, are processed in Atherotech’s state-of-the-art clinical laboratory in Birmingham.
About Resverlogix Corp.
Resverlogix Corp. is a biotechnology research and development company dedicated to the commercialization of innovative therapies. The company’s lead research program is focused on the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis through HDL cholesterol management. Resverlogix also is engaged in the development of a TGF-inhibiting cancer therapy. The company trades on Canada’s TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol RVX. For further information, please visit the company’s Web site at www.resverlogix.com.
About Atherotech, Inc.
Atherotech, a pioneer in cardiodiagnostic technology, is dedicated to improving the early diagnosis and treatment of heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases that kill nearly 1 million Americans each year. Atherotech’s VAP Test is the new standard of care in cholesterol risk assessment. The company also has a long history of supporting clinical research, and the VAP Test has been featured in a growing number of important clinical trials nationwide. The VAP Cholesterol Test recently was named one of “five tests worth paying for” by The Wall Street Journal. For more information, visit the company’s Web site at www.thevaptest.com.
This news release may contain forward-looking statements that reflect the current views and/or expectations of Resverlogix Corp. with respect to its performance, business, and future events. Such statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Actual results and events may vary significantly. The TSX Venture Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Contacts
Sullivan & Associates for Atherotech, Inc. Barbara Sullivan, 714-374-6174 bsullivan@sullivanpr.com or
Resverlogix Donald J. McCaffrey, 403-254-9252 don@resverlogix.com
