CALGARY, March 12 - SemBioSys Genetics Inc. (TSX:SBS), specializing in the manufacture of high-value proteins and oils in plant seeds, today announced that its collaborators at the Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, under the direction of Dr. Prediman K. Shah, will present the results of a preclinical study with its Apo AI(Milano) candidate at the American College of Cardiology’s (ACC) 59th Scientific Sessions in Atlanta. The poster presentation entitled: “Safflower Seed-derived Des-1,2-apo AI(Milano) Reduces Atherosclerosis in Hypercholesterolemic Apolipoprotein E (-/-) Mice” by Dr. Kuang-Yuh Chyu and colleagues (number 1022-116) will take place at the Georgia World Congress Center, Hall B5 on Sunday, March 14th. The abstract for the presentation will be made available on the SemBioSys website at http://www.sembiosys.com/Products/Stroke.aspx.
The poster presentation details results from preclinical studies with SemBioSys’ Apo AI(Milano) candidate, a leading edge biopharmaceutical that represents a new paradigm in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. The protein is manufactured using the Company’s proprietary platform, which allows for highly scalable, low cost production of pharmaceutical proteins with a high level of purity. The studies successfully demonstrate that a phospholipid complex containing SemBioSys’ Apo AI(Milano) positively impacted the three key components required to achieve a therapeutic effect. The data demonstrated an increase in cholesterol efflux capacity (the ability to remove cholesterol from the vessel wall), an increase in circulating levels of free cholesterol and a reduction in atherosclerosis.
Apo AI is the major apolipoprotein associated with HDL (high density lipoprotein), commonly referred to as “good cholesterol”, which naturally removes plaque from arteries. Clinical studies by an external party have shown that Apo AI(Milano), which is a variant of Apo AI in a phospholipid formulation, could reduce plaque volume at a level and speed unattainable with any current drug therapy.
About SemBioSys
Calgary, Alberta-based SemBioSys is focused on leveraging its unique proprietary platform to manufacture high-value proteins and oils. SemBioSys’ seed-based protein production system can provide for its partners product enablement, exceptionally low cost and unprecedented scalability. SemBioSys is applying the platform with high selectivity to products with tremendous clinical promise and value potential. The Company’s current pharmaceutical development programs include insulin (SBS-1000, regulated as a biosimilar in Europe) and Apo AI(Milano), a next-generation cardiovascular therapy. SemBioSys is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker SBS. More information is available at www.sembiosys.com.
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements containing the words “believe”, “may”, “plan”, “will”, “estimate”, “continue”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “expect” and other similar expressions which constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s current expectation and assumptions, and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, changing market conditions and market size, the acceptance of an IND by the FDA in respect of clinical studies, the submission of a CTA to the appropriate European authorities, the successful initiation and timely and successful completion of clinical studies, the fact that Apo AI(Milano) is currently a development stage drug, the establishment of corporate alliances, the impact of competitive products and pricing, new product development, uncertainties related to the regulatory approval process and other risks detailed from time-to-time in the Company’s ongoing filings with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities which filings can be found at www.sedar.com. Given these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements either as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable Canadian securities laws.
