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Toronto, Ontario – April 15, 2016, Theralase Technologies Inc. (“Theralase” or the “Company”) (TLT:TSXV) (TLTFF:OTC), a leading biotechnology manufacturer focused on commercializing medical technologies to eliminate pain and destroy cancer, announced today that the latest research on combining its lead Photo Dynamic Compound (“PDC”), TLD-1433, with transferrin, to enhance the ability of TLD-1433 to target cancer cells, was recently published in a leading peer reviewed international journal related to Photo Dynamic Therapy (“PDT”).
Transferrin is a glycoprotein that naturally occurs in the body and is used to transport iron to cells. Theralase has been investigating the use of transferrin to decrease the toxicity, improve the selectivity and increase the efficacy of its lead compound TLD-1433 in the destruction of cancer cells.
The new publication, entitled, “Ruthenium(II) based Photosensitizer and Transferrin Complexes Enhance Photo-physical Properties, Cell Uptake, and Photodynamic Therapy Safety and Efficacy” was published in Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences, a publication of the Royal Society of Chemistry.
http://pubs.rsc.org/en/
While metal-based photosensitizers, such as TLD-1433, can have their absorption and chemical binding properties modified by the use of different ligands this also holds true when TLD-1433 binds to proteins such as transferrin. The latest research demonstrates that TLD-1433, mixed with transferrin, reduces the toxicity of TLD-1433 and improves the overall efficacy in the destruction of cancer cells. Transferrin is upregulated by most cancers through an increased number of transferrin receptor sites; therefore, combining TLD-1433 with transferrin, converts TLD-1433 into a potentially potent cancer killing drug.
Theralase is focused on successfully completing a Phase Ib clinical trial for patients afflicted with Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer (“NMIBC”) utilizing its novel next generation light-activated, anti-cancer drug, TLD-1433.
The Phase Ib NMIBC clinical trial will evaluate TLD-1433 for the primary endpoints of safety and tolerability, with a secondary endpoint of pharmacokinetics (movement of drug within tissue) and an exploratory endpoint of efficacy.
The Phase Ib NMIBC clinical study protocol will begin by instilling a low dose of TLD-1433 drug into the bladders of 3 patients with subsequent light activation using the TLC-3200 medical laser. These 3 subjects will then be monitored for 30 days to ensure safety and tolerability of the procedure. If no adverse events are reported, then an additional 6 subjects will be enrolled at a high dose, followed by light activation and follow-up monitoring for 6 months.
If safety and tolerability of the procedure is demonstrated in these 9 subjects, the Phase Ib study results will support Health Canada approval and a Phase II multi-center efficacy study for NMIBC will be commenced in Canada, the United States and Europe.
Roger Dumoulin-White, President and CEO of Theralase stated, “Our latest research published in a world recognized peer reviewed journal, provides the scientific rigour required by Theralase to allow us to confidently commence and to successfully complete a Phase Ib clinical trial for NMIBC.”
About Theralase Technologies Inc.
Theralase Technologies Inc. (“Theralase®”) (TSXV: TLT) (TLTFF: OTC) in its Therapeutic Laser Technology (“TLT”) Division designs, manufactures and markets patented super-pulsed laser technology indicated for 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, which are able 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 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.
For More Information:
Roger Dumoulin-White
President & CEO
1.866.THE.LASE (843-5273) ext. 225
416.699.LASE (5273) ext. 225