Theralase Technologies Inc. Research Successfully Destroys Breast Cancer Cells

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - January 05, 2010) - Theralase Technologies Inc. (TSX VENTURE: TLT) announces revolutionary results of a pre-clinical study of its patented photodynamic compounds (PDCs) and their ability, when used with Theralase lasers, to destroy breast cancer cells. Theralase plans to submit results to the US Food and Drug Administration and Health Canada, as part of its collaborative work with Virginia Tech.

Roger Dumoulin-White, President and CEO of Theralase explained the excitement, “This new research brings the potential for tremendous impact on a most devastating disease and we are excited to be working with a world-class group of researchers to further develop this technology.”

Dr. Lothar Lilge, widely published expert on photodynamic therapy and principal investigator of the study reaffirmed, “We are extremely pleased with the in-vitro results of the Theralase photodynamic compounds in the destruction of cancer cells. Results indicate that these PDCs can destroy cancer cells when light-activated, even in low-oxygen environments. Low-oxygen environments prove challenging for most other cancer therapies, which is why these PDCs are very attractive for solid tumors such as cancers of the lung, breast, prostate and brain.”

Dr. Lilge is optimistic that pending successful pre-clinical studies scheduled to commence in 2010 will lay the groundwork for early human trials, following FDA and Health Canada approvals.

Dr. Lilge, a scientist at the Ontario Cancer Institute at Princess Margaret Hospital, University Health Network added, “We are working with researchers at Virginia Tech to optimize our lead compound for breast cancer destruction, for testing in pre-clinical studies to validate both safety and effectiveness. Successful completion of the pre-clinical study and further experience with PDC light-dose interactions and toxicology will pave the way for early human trials under the FDA Phase One guidelines.”

Mr. Dumoulin-White said Theralase plans to pursue commercialization of its ground-breaking technology through the accelerated FDA regulatory approval process. This process “fast-tracks” approval when a treatment is shown, through proven success rate, to have a positive impact on disease. Theralase also plans to continue its research and development to optimize other PDCs, from the same platform for a variety of cancers such as skin and brain cancer, viruses and bacteria.

Theralase has an exclusive license for the US patent rights, on the entire platform of PDCs for 17 years plus an additional 10 years under license agreement with Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties Inc.,, from the last patent’s date-of-issue. Theralase PDC research and development initiative is partially funded by the Ontario Centres of Excellence’s (OCE’s) Centre of Excellence for Photonics. Visit the corporate or regulatory website at www.theralase.com or www.sedar.com for more information.

Theralase Technologies Inc. designs, develops and manufactures patented, super-pulsed laser technology utilized in bio-stimulation and bio-destruction applications.

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.

The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the contents of this release.