Theralase Researcher Discovers Super Potent Anti-Cancer Drugs
Toronto, Ontario (FSCwire) - Theralase Technologies Inc. ("Theralase (R)" or the "Company") (TSXV: TLT) (OTCQX: TLTFF), a leading biotech company focused on the commercialization of medical lasers to eliminate pain and the development of Photo Dynamic Compounds ("PDCs") to destroy cancer has recently identified a new platform of super potent anti-cancer drugs, or PDCs, discovered by Dr. Sherri McFarland, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, the original inventor of the Theralase licenced ruthenium-based PDCs.
Dr. McFarland has discovered a new generation of PDCs, that are 10 billion times more potent in killing cancer cells than other tested PDCs. It only takes a few molecules of the new PDCs to kill cancer cells, in vitro, when activated by visible light.
The new PDCs also exhibit very low, in vitro, dark cytotoxicity (cancer cell kill in the absence of light), providing a very low toxicity to cells.
This photocytotoxicity (cancer cell kill in the presence of light) activity has been optimized, without increasing the dark cytotoxicity (see figure below).
These next generation PDCs are thus able to increase in vitro therapeutic margins (ability to kill cancer cells when light activated versus when not light activated) by ten orders of magnitude over tested PDCs and were conceived by Dr. McFarland by designing the most potent PDCs for systemic (IntraVenous or ("IV")) patient administration at the lowest possible dose.
The preliminary data, obtained to date, demonstrates that the new PDCs exhibit preferential properties for IV delivery and are thus able to greatly expand the scope of cancers that can be targeted by this new platform PDT technology.
To view the graphic in its original size, please click here
Dr. McFarland stated that, "I am delighted that we have discovered new PDCs that are able to increase the Photo Dynamic Therapy ("PDT") potency over other tested PDCs by ten orders of magnitude (10,000,000,000 times), using highly specialized methodologies and formulations. The very large and unprecedented therapeutic margins make safe, IV systemic delivery of these new PDCs that much more possible, vastly increasing the number of cancers that can be targeted with this PDT technology. With our PDC TLD-1433 showing promise in a Phase Ib clinical trial for treating Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer ("NMIBC") with PDT, it is an exciting time to be working closely with the Theralase team on the development of the next generation PDCs for hard-to-treat cancers such as GlioBlastoma Multiforme ("GBM"), a deadly form of brain cancer."
Dr. Arkady Mandel, MD, PhD, DSc, Chief Scientific Officer of Theralase stated that, "The ability to increase the light toxicity of the PDC by ten orders of magnitude without affecting the dark toxicity of the PDC, is a dramatic discovery. The in vitro results presented by Dr. McFarland opens up a tremendous opportunity to develop and clinically evaluate a new PDT technology platform that may mitigate the risk of systemic toxicity, while offering an exceptional potency in the destruction of cancer cells; hence, safely and effectively, destroying a greater quantity of cancer cells per single treatment. This provides the Company with an opportunity to establish a new realm in the types of cancers that can safely and effectively be treated with this cutting-edge PDT technology."
Roger Dumoulin-White, P.Eng, President and CEO of Theralase stated that, "Theralase, in its collaborative research partnership with Dr. McFarland, continues to push the envelope on what these PDCs are capable of in the destruction of cancer cells. I look forward to scaling up the manufacture of these new PDCs to allow use in a new Phase Ib clinical study."
About Theralase Technologies Inc.
Theralase Technologies Inc. ("Theralase (R)" or the "Company") (TSXV: TLT) (OTCQX: TLTFF) in its Therapeutic Laser Technology ("TLT") Division designs, manufactures, markets and distributes patented super-pulsed laser technology indicated for the treatment of chronic knee pain, and in off-label use, the elimination of pain, reduction of inflammation and dramatic acceleration of tissue healing for numerous nerve, muscle and joint conditions. Theralase's Photo Dynamic Therapy ("PDT") Division researches and develops specially designed molecules called Photo Dynamic Compounds ("PDCs"), which have demonstrated an ability to localize to cancer cells and then when laser light activated, effectively destroy them.
Additional information is available at www.theralase.com and www.sedar.com .
This news release contains "forward-looking statements" which reflect the current expectations of management of the Corporation's future growth, results of operations, performance and business prospects and opportunities. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the proposed use of proceeds. Wherever possible, words such as "may", "would", "could", "should", "will", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "potential for" and similar expressions have been used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements reflect management's current beliefs with respect to future events and are based on information currently available to management. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause the Corporation's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements; including, without limitation, those listed in the filings made by the Corporation with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities (which may be viewed at www.sedar.com). Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward looking statements prove incorrect, actual results, performance or achievements may vary materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this news release. These factors should be considered carefully and prospective investors should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking statements contained in the news release are based upon what management currently believes to be reasonable assumptions, the Corporation cannot assure prospective investors that actual results, performance or achievements will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. The Corporation disclaims any intention or obligation to revise forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise except as required by law. All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.
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.
For More Information:
Roger Dumoulin-White
President & CEO
1.866.THE.LASE (843-5273) ext. 225
416.699.LASE (5273) ext. 225
To follow Theralase Technologies Inc. on your favorite social media platform or financial websites, please click on the icons below.
Maximum News Dissemination by FSCwire. http://www.fscwire.com
Copyright (C) 2017 Filing Services Canada Inc.