TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - November 09, 2010) - Theralase Technologies Inc. (TSX VENTURE: TLT) has commenced the pre-clinical trial phase of its cancer research project; evaluating its patented Photo Dynamic Compounds (PDCs) in a small animal in-vivo model.
Lothar Lilge, Ph.D., the principal investigator of the PDCs and a researcher at the world renowned Ontario Cancer Institute located at Princess Margaret Hospital, University Health Network (UHN) will evaluate the toxicity of the patented PDCs on small animals, by choosing an escalating dose analysis. Once completed, Dr. Lilge plans to demonstrate efficacy of the PDCs in the destruction of tumours in a small animal model.
Theralase first announced commencing small animal trials in June 2010. Testing can now proceed following receipt of approvals on its Animal Utilization Protocol by the UHN Ethics Review Committee.
“These small animal pre-clinical trials represent the next strategic step forward in our cancer therapy research program”, says Theralase President and CEO, Roger Dumoulin-White. “Now that approval has been granted, hands-on evaluation of the PDCs in a small animal model is able to commence full steam ahead. Successful completion of this milestone, will lay the groundwork for exploring the use of these PDCs in the destruction of cancers in larger animals, including: horses, cats, dogs and eventually humans.”
Dr. Lilge stated that, “Determination of the maximum tolerated dose is critical to providing us with safe PDC dosage levels that we can use to set recommended dosing guidelines to evaluate the efficacy of the PDCs in eradicating tumours in small animals while sparing normal tissue. Successfully destroying cancer in at least 2 animal models coupled with the completion of an OECD guideline toxicology analysis of the PDCs will be mandatory in setting the stage for future Phase 1 human clinical trials. We are currently investigating toxicity of four lead compounds in the safe and effective destruction of cancer cells in vivo. Due to the ability of these PDCs to work in low oxygen environments, these PDCs will be ideally suited in the destruction of solid core tumours, such as cancers of the breast, prostate, brain and lung.”
For more information, visit the corporate or regulatory website at www.theralase.com or www.sedar.com
About Theralase Technologies Inc.
Theralase Technologies Inc. designs, develops and manufactures patented, super-pulsed laser technology utilized in bio-stimulation and bio-destruction applications. The technology is safe and effective in the treatment of chronic pain, neural muscular-skeletal conditions and wound care. When combined with patented light-sensitive Photo Dynamic Compounds, Theralase laser technology is able to specifically target and destroy cancers, bacteria and viruses.
This press release contains forward-looking statements which reflect the Company’s current expectations regarding future events. The forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those projected herein. The Company disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchanges) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Contacts:
Theralase Technologies Inc.
Roger Dumoulin-White
President and CEO
1.866.843.5273
rwhite@theralase.com
www.theralase.com