NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - May 17, 2011) -
| Highlighted Links |
|
Ohr Pharmaceutical, Inc. (OTCBB: OHRP) today announced that it has been awarded a new Canadian patent (#2,434,060) that includes claims related to composition of matter, methods of manufacture, and the effects of immune modulation of its OHR/AVR118 compound. The patent is titled “Preparation of a Therapeutic Composition.” Ohr was previously granted US, Israel, China, and Mexico patent protection for this intellectual property, with applications pending in Europe.
Chief Executive Officer Dr. Irach B. Taraporewala, Ph.D., noted the new patent further strengthens Ohr’s global intellectual property coverage on OHR/AVR118 in a key market for its lead indication, cancer cachexia.
“We are delighted with the issuance of this important patent that will provide us protection in the Canadian market until at least 2021,” said Dr. Taraporewala. “OHR/AVR 118 is at the forefront of clinical development for cancer cachexia. Our phase II trial in this indication is ongoing and we are excited about the continued progress of the program and its potential to meet this tremendously unmet medical need.”
The Canadian cancer market is large and growing, with approximately 174,000 cases being diagnosed each year. Up to 60% of advanced cancer patients will develop cancer cachexia, the severe wasting disorder wherein the patient exhibits multiple symptoms including loss of muscle and fat, anorexia, fatigue, loss of appetite, weakness, and multiple gastrointestinal symptoms. Additionally, upwards of 20% of cancer fatalities can be attributed to the effects of cachexia alone. Various pharmaceutical industry sources have estimated that the growing worldwide commercial market for treating cancer cachexia is in excess of $1 billion annually. There is currently no FDA or Health Canada approved therapy for cancer cachexia.
Ohr currently owns or has applied for more than 100 U.S. and foreign patents.
About OHR/AVR118
OHR/AVR118 is a broad spectrum immunomodulator whose main action is to modulate cellular pro-inflammatory chemokine and cykotine synthesis, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). During the past decade, researchers have adduced much evidence supporting the critical roles of cytokines in the production of cachexia. Moreover, previous clinical data indicates that OHR/AVR118, in addition, has powerful chemoprotective effects, thus allowing patients to tolerate higher doses, and more intensive treatment regimens, with toxic chemotherapeutic agents. OHR/AVR118 is novel in that it addresses the underlying etiology of the cachexia disease process, as opposed to current and investigational therapies being used for cancer cachexia, that attempt to mitigate just one or two symptoms of the disorder.
About Ohr Pharmaceutical, Inc.:
Ohr Pharmaceutical, Inc. (OTCBB: OHRP) is focused on the development of two drugs: OHR/AVR 118 for the treatment of cancer cachexia and EVIZON™/Squalamine for the treatment of the wet form of age-related macular degeneration (Wet-AMD). Cancer cachexia, the syndrome of body wasting that affects late-stage cancer patients, is a debilitating condition which adversely affects their quality of life. Wet-AMD is a leading cause of vision loss and blindness in the elderly population. The promise shown by Ohr Pharmaceutical’s product pipeline offers a new ray of hope to patients suffering from these devastating diseases.
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995:
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward looking statements are made only as the date thereof, and Ohr Pharmaceutical undertakes no obligation to update or revise the forward looking statement whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Our actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements as a result of various factors and uncertainties, including the future success of our scientific studies, our ability to successfully develop products, rapid technological change in our markets, changes in demand for our future products, legislative, regulatory and competitive developments, the financial resources available to us, and general economic conditions. For example, there can be no assurance that Ohr will be able to sustain operations for expected periods. Shareholders and prospective investors are cautioned that no assurance of the efficacy of pharmaceutical products can be claimed or assured until final testing; and no assurance or warranty can be made that the FDA or Health Canada will approve final testing or marketing of any pharmaceutical product. Ohr’s most recent Annual Report and subsequent Quarterly Reports discuss some of the important risk factors that may affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. We disclaim any intent to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason.
Contact:
Ohr Pharmaceutical Inc.
Sam Backenroth
Vice President, Business Development
212-682-8452
Email Contact
Digg this
Bookmark with del.icio.us
Add to Newsvine
Technorati: 
