Data published from a positive pre-clinical study with Visco-ease (LMS-611) showing it can restore the functionality of the saliva of patients undergoing radiotherapy for Head & Neck Cancer
Bellshill, Glasgow, 2nd February 2016 - Lamellar Biomedical, a biotechnology company developing a range of patent-protected medical devices and pharmaceuticals, based on Lamellasome™ technology, is pleased to announce the publication of a paper in the Supportive Care in Cancer Journal. The paper outlines the data from a positive pre-clinical study with Visco-ease (LMS-611) showing its ability to modify the properties of saliva of patients undergoing radiotherapy for Head & Neck Cancer.
The lead author of the paper titled ‘Radiotherapy-Induced Xerostomia, pre-clinical promise of LMS-611’ is Dr Claire Paterson, of the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre. Radiotherapy-Induced Xerostomia (RIX) is the most common permanent side effect of radiotherapy to the head and neck affecting patients’ ability to eat and swallow. Visco-ease (LMS-611) is a mimetic of a natural lamellar body which prevents thick secretions like saliva from congesting organs.
The primary objective of this pre-clinical study was to assess the properties of the saliva of patients before and during radiotherapy to treat their head and neck cancer. The secondary objectives were to assess saliva properties after the addition of LMS-611, measure inter-patient variability and correlate patient-reported symptoms with laboratory measurements. A total of thirty patients were enrolled in the study.
Dr Alec McLean, CEO of Lamellar, commented: “The publication of this pre-clinical study with Visco-ease, which was undertaken at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, clearly demonstrates the potential of this novel medical device to radically improve the lives of patients suffering from RIX by restoring the functionality of their saliva. We will be conducting a clinical trial in conjunction with the Beatson which will start later this month.”
To access the full paper please visit: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00520-015-2823-5
For further information, please contact:
Lamellar Biomedical
Dr Alec McLean
McLeanA@lamellar.com
Tel: 01698 748832
Citigate Dewe Rogerson
David Dible/ Pip Batty
david.dible@citigatedr.co.uk
Tel: 020 7282 1022
About Radiotherapy-Induced Xerostomia (RIX). RIX is a common complication of radiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) associated with hypo-secretion of saliva, thick viscous mucus, inflammation and infections (oral mucositis). The annual incidence of new HNC (laryngeal, oral and pharyngeal) is 139,000 in EU-28 and 57,000 in North America: of these, 90% of patients receive radiotherapy, with approximately 90% of these patients developing RIX. The 5-year survival of HNC is 65%, with circa 40% of patients needing treatment for life-long chronic RIX.
About Lamellar Biomedical Lamellar Biomedical is the only company globally focused on Lamellasome™ technology (micron-scale lipid vesicles) which have multiple medical applications.
Lamellar Biomedical’s development pipeline includes a number of patent-protected medical devices and pharmaceuticals targeting RIX, Dry Eye Disease and Cystic Fibrosis. These are all conditions that are poorly served by current medications and therefore represent areas of high value unmet medical need.
Lamellasome™ technology produces mimetics of the body’s extra-alveolar lamellar bodies. These regulate the internal interfaces between human tissues as well as the interfaces between tissues and the external environment as in the mouth and lungs. They act biophysically are muco-restorative and have the potential to resolve a broad range of disease states that are associated with dry or sticky mucosal surfaces.
Lamellar Biomedical is based near Glasgow, Scotland. It has been financed by a range of investors including Invesco, Barwell, TRI Capital and Scottish Enterprise.
For more information please visit: www.lamellar.com
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