Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Theralase and George Brown College Join in Government-Funded Research to Combat Food Contamination

Toronto - June 14, 2011 - Theralase Technologies Inc. (TSXV:TLT) announced today that it is partnering with George Brown College’s Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts to conduct applied research in the use of patented photodynamic compounds (PDCs) activated by its proprietary laser technology to destroy microbial pathogens associated with food contamination.

This food safety approach, believed to be the first of its kind, is supported by the National Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).  PDCs are light sensitive molecules that have the ability to attach themselves to specific cell types, in this case food pathogens such as bacteria, and are able to destroy these cells upon light activation.

Theralase Technologies Inc, founded in Toronto in 1995, designs, develops and manufactures patented, superpulsed laser technology utilized in biostimulation and biodestruction applications.

“In the wake of many outbreaks of consumer food contaminations associated with microbial pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes (Listeria) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) and their various strains, Theralase initiated the study to determine the feasibility of using our patented PDCs for sanitation in the food service, food manufacturing and medical industries,” said Roger Dumoulin - White, President & CEO of Theralase Inc.  “Given their history and pedigree in culinary arts and additional focus on food applied research, the George Brown College Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts is a perfect partner for applied research in new and innovative sanitation protocols and techniques using the company’s patented lasers and photodynamic compounds.”

The 14-week food safety feasibility study will determine the specific areas in food processing facilities where pathogen contamination is not being adequately addressed by current processes and procedures. The contamination danger is a fundamental and ongoing concern of the food industry.

”Food  safety is an increasingly important public health issue as food recalls are a costly exercise that can easily tarnish a company’s reputation of quality. At George Brown we are always looking for relevant initiatives to conduct applied research that can provide our students with real time, real life learning opportunities as well as mutually benefiting our industry partners by providing effective solutions.” said Winnie Chiu, Director, Food Innovation & Research, and Principal Investigator, George Brown College.

The results of the study are expected in September 2011 and will be followed by further lab testing and a pilot project at a commercial food processing facility.  

About Theralase Technologies Inc.
Theralase Technologies Inc. designs, develops, manufactures and markets patented, superpulsed laser technology utilized in biostimulation and biodestruction applications. The technology is safe and effective in the treatment of chronic pain, neural muscular-skeletal conditions and wound care. When combined with its patented, light-sensitive Photo Dynamic Compounds, Theralase laser technology is able to specifically target and destroy cancers, bacteria and viruses.

About George Brown College
Toronto’s George Brown College has established a reputation for equipping students with the skills, industry experience and credentials to pursue the careers of their choice. From its two main campuses located across the downtown core, George Brown offers nearly 160 programs across a wide variety of professions to a student body of 60,000 (including those enrolled in full-time, part-time and continuing education programs). Students can earn diplomas, post-graduate certificates, industry accreditations, apprenticeships and four-year bachelor degrees. 

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                                   Robyn Breslow                                  
President & CEO, Theralase                          APEX Public Relations (for George Brown College)
416-447-8455 ext. 225                                    416-924-4442 ext. 256
rwhite@theralase.com                                    rbreslow@apexpr.com
www.theralase.com                                        www.georgebrown.ca

Greg Bewsh
Director of Investor Relations, Theralase
416-447-8455 ext. 262
gbewsh@theralase.com

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