CALGARY, March 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - Stem Cell Therapeutics Corp. (SCT) is pleased to announce interim results from a key preclinical study of NTx(TM)-265 therapy for the treatment of stroke. This study utilized a clinically relevant model of stroke to validate the NTx(TM)-265 dose, timing and regimen anticipated for SCT’s proposed Phase IIa study. In addition, these results have been accepted for poster presentation at the upcoming European Stroke Conference to be held May 16-19, 2006, in Brussels, Belgium.
The results of this independently conducted, blinded, placebo-controlled six week study demonstrate a substantial and significant recovery of motor function following NTx(TM)-265 administration in the rat middle cerebral artery model of stroke. NTx(TM)-265 therapy initiated 24 hours after stroke significantly (p(equal sign)0.0001) improved composite neurological motor scores in rats compared to control animals that received saline treatment. In addition, these findings support the premise that the therapeutic window for initiation of NTx(TM)-265 administration extends beyond the restrictive 3 hour window for thrombolytic therapies to a more clinically feasible treatment time of at least 24 hours following onset of stroke.
Notably, the study was designed to simulate the clinical protocol expected for the Company’s proposed Phase IIa evaluation of NTx(TM)-265. The drugs to be used, the dose, the initiation time following stroke onset, and the treatment regimen all mimic the protocol anticipated to be tested in human stroke patients in the proposed Phase IIa clinical study.
“Acceptance of this work, by one of the worlds foremost organizations focused on stroke research and evolving stroke therapies, is an important event supporting the ongoing development of NTx(TM)-265 as a potential new paradigm for the treatment of stroke” said Vice President of Product Development Dr. Allen Davidoff, who will present the poster on behalf of Stem Cell Therapeutics.
Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States, where it affects 700,000 people each year, and is the second leading killer worldwide. Stroke is also the leading cause of long-term disability. The American Heart Association estimates that death and injury due to stroke cost the US economy $56.8 billion in 2005.
About Stem Cell Therapeutics Corp.: Stem Cell Therapeutics Corp. is a biotechnology company focused on the development of its technology platform and intellectual property to selectively induce a patient’s own stem cells to proliferate in the brain. SCT’s core technology, which includes its lead therapeutic product NTx(TM)-265, has been demonstrated to increase the number of innate adult stem cells that grow in place when this therapeutic approach is applied to test animals. SCT plans to develop this fundamental technology further for specific disease treatments such as stroke and potentially Huntington’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions.
The TSX Venture Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
These securities have not been registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the securities laws of any state, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of U.S. persons unless an applicable exemption from U.S. registration requirements is available.
Except for historical information, this press release may contain forward-looking statements, which reflect the Company’s current expectation regarding future events. These forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainties, which may cause but are not limited to, changing market conditions, the successful and timely completion of clinical studies, 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 quarterly and annual reporting.
Stem Cell Therapeutics Corp.
CONTACT: For further information on Stem Cell Therapeutics Corp., visitwww.stemcellthera.com or contact : Dr. Joseph Tucker, Chief ExecutiveOfficer, Stem Cell Therapeutics Corp., Phone : (403) 245-5495,info@stemcellthera.com
