PALO ALTO, Calif., May 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Avicena Group, Inc. (Avicena), a developer of novel pharmaceutical and therapeutic products, announced today positive findings from a clinical study of its Nurigene(TM) dermaceutical product line. Results demonstrated that skin treated with Nurigene, which incorporates Avicena's proprietary MgA(TM) technology, experienced a statistically significant increase in cell turnover versus untreated skin, with some subjects in the study experiencing up to a 43% increase in cell renewal. Cell turnover is a continual process by which old skin cells are replaced with newer, more vibrant cells. An increase in the rate of this process is an indication of how often skin is regenerated.
"Our study's findings clearly demonstrate that subjects using Nurigene are combating the effects of aging on skin and experiencing the presence of younger looking skin. Data shows that Nurigene is causing new cells to migrate through the epidermis and replace older cells on the skin's surface at a much more rapid rate than untreated skin," said Belinda Tsao-Nivaggioli, Ph.D., Avicena's chief executive officer. "The results of this study are very exciting, particularly in the context of a very large dermaceutical product market in which proven anti-aging products are craved by consumers."
Researchers for the randomized, four-week study used standard fluorescence measurement guidelines to assess the rate of cell turnover for Nurgiene- treated skin as compared to untreated skin. A total of 30 female subjects completed the study.
ABOUT NURIGENE
Nurigene is a scientifically-based line of skin care products formulated to enhance the regeneration of healthy skin and to protect against damaging free radicals. The product line incorporates the company's proprietary MgA(TM) technology, which is designed to promote optimal cellular regeneration and protection by providing critical nourishment to the skin's cellular growth environment. Additional clinical studies of Nurigene, which includes a series of products formulated to work synergistically, are underway.
ABOUT AVICENA
Based in Palo Alto, CA, Avicena is a biotechnology company that seeks to develop and commercialize therapeutic products that regulate the critical energy processes which occur within human cells. Avicena's focus is on the development of pharmaceutical products to treat patients with rare diseases (orphan drugs), as well as dermaceutical and nutraceutical products. To date, the company has advanced certain compounds for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease) into Phase III trials and treatments for Huntington's disease (HD) into Phase II development. Having completed Phase II trials, the company is now considering a Phase III trial for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
SAFE HARBOR
This release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Such forward-looking statements reflect, among other things, management's current expectations, plans and strategies, and anticipated financial results, all of which are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Many of these risks are beyond our ability to control or predict. See "Risk Factors" in the company's prospectus and annual report for a discussion of such risks, including the company's need for additional funds, the company's dependence on a limited number of therapeutic compounds, the early state of the products the company is developing, uncertainties relating to clinical trials and regulatory reviews, competition and dependence on collaborative partners, the company's ability to avoid infringement of the patent rights of others, and the company's ability to obtain adequate patent protection and to enforce these rights. Because of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Furthermore, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Avicena does not undertake any obligation to update or review any such forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Contact: Vida Communication (on behalf of the Avicena Group) Stephanie Diaz (investors) Tim Brons (media) 415-675-7400 415-675-7400 sdiaz@vidacommunication.com 646-319-8981 (mobile) tbrons@vidacommunication.com
The Avicena Group, Inc.CONTACT: investors, Stephanie Diaz, +1-415-675-7400, orsdiaz@vidacommunication.com, or media, Tim Brons, +1-415-675-7400, ormobile, +1-646-319-8981, or tbrons@vidacommunication.com, both of VidaCommunication for Avicena Group
Web site: http://www.avicenagroup.com//
