WINNIPEG, MANITOBA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- October 16, 2006 -- Kane Biotech Inc. (TSX VENTURE: KNE), a biotechnology company engaged in the development of products that prevent medical device related infections, is pleased to announce positive results from an important efficacy study with KBI-4258, its lead product for reducing infections associated with central venous catheters (CVCs).
The results of the study demonstrated that KBI-4258 coated catheters performed better than both the market leading coated catheters and uncoated control catheters in preventing catheter colonization by the pathogen Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). More specifically, 29 of 30 (96.7%) catheter segments coated with KBI-4258 remained free of colonization by S. aureus, compared to 26 of 30 (86.7%) of the market leading coated catheters and only 1 of 30 (3.3%) of the uncoated catheters. Furthermore, the study showed that KBI-4258 coated CVCs were as good at reducing catheter colonization by S. aureus as the market leading coated CVC at its highest antimicrobial concentration level.
“To perform this well with our prototype, against the leading product on the market, is a tremendous achievement; especially as we can expect even better results with our final optimized product”, stated Mr. Gord Froehlich, President of Kane Biotech Inc. “In fact, Kane has performed in vitro studies that demonstrate KBI-4258 is superior to the market leading coated catheter not only against S. aureus, but also against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Candida albicans, the three most significant pathogens in catheter related blood stream infections.”
The growing problem of hospital acquired infections is related to biofilms. When bacteria colonize medical devices they protect themselves by forming a biofilm shield. They then become resistant to drugs and other control methods. As medical device companies look at ways to improve their market competitiveness with new technology, KBI-4258 is seen as an opportunity to meet those needs.
“KBI-4258 is a proprietary combination of two unique products offering dual action, synergistic protection against blood stream infections. Our dispersinB technology prevents and disperses biofilms while the antimicrobial agent offers broad spectrum microbial control. As a non-antibiotic technology, KBI-4258 is a compelling technology for controlling device related infections in the clinical setting”, added Mr. Froehlich.
Infections acquired in the hospital are a serious medical problem and the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. According to experts, central venous and urological catheters are known to be amongst the most susceptible of all medical devices to infection and together are associated with about half of all hospital infections. Kane Biotech is developing KBI-4258 to address the critical unmet need caused by catheter related bloodstream infections (CR-BSI) and KBI-5898 as a solution to the serious problem of catheter associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI). Each year, hospital acquired infections cost United States healthcare providers over $11 billion.
About Kane Biotech Inc.
Kane Biotech is a biotechnology company engaged in the development of products to prevent and disperse bacterial biofilms. Biofilms develop when bacteria, and other microorganisms, form a protective matrix that acts as a shield against attack. When in a biofilm, bacteria become highly resistant to antibiotics, high temperatures and host immune responses. This resiliency contributes to human health problems such as recurrent urinary tract infections, medical device associated infections and tooth decay.
Certain information contained in this press release may be forward-looking and is subject to risks and uncertainties. Although the Company believes that the expectations contained herein are reasonable, it can give no assurances such forward-looking statements will prove correct. Information is provided from sources deemed to be reliable.
The TSX Venture Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.
Contacts: Kane Biotech Inc. Michael Coutts Director, Business Development (204) 477-7597 (204) 453-1314 (FAX) Email: info@kanebiotech.com Website: www.kanebiotech.com
SOURCE: Kane Biotech Inc.