Theralase to Focus Research on Bladder Cancer in Clinical Trials
Toronto, Ontario – July 18,
2012, Theralase Technologies Inc. (TSX-V: TLT) announced today that it has selected
bladder cancer as the first clinical target in its Novel Photo Dynamic Compound
(PDC) research. Theralase now has a clear direction with which to proceed with
FDA Clinical Trials.
Bladder cancer is the
fifth most common cancer in North America being the fourth most common in men
and the eighth most common in woman. In North America, it is estimated that
there will be over 77,000 new cases and over 15,000 deaths annually. "With a recurrence
rate of nearly 80%, bladder cancer is the most expensive cancer to treat on a
per patient basis," says Dr. Michael Jewett, a specialist in uro-oncology
and member of Bladder Cancer Canada's Medical Advisory Board. "The high
recurrence rate raises many issues affecting quality of life."
Dr
Arkady Mandel, Chief Scientific Officer of Theralase said, “We have
successfully continued development of the innovative anticancer platform
technology that will be first tested in the models of bladder cancer in our
labs. Besides the strong scientific and
clinical rationale for successful therapeutic application of Theralase’s
advanced phototherapy in this patient population”, continued Dr. Mandel, “there have been no significant advances in bladder
cancer treatment in several decades. We are hopeful that the highly
promising results of our research will move the field forward. Bladder
cancer is a significant health concern. It is estimated that $2.9 billion is
spent in the United States alone each year on the treatment of bladder cancer. We feel our technology will prove as effective
in bladder cancer preclinical trials that will eventually lead to FDA clinical
approval.”
July has been designated as
“Bladder Cancer Awareness Month” in North America and we pray that our
announcement is both timely and provides hope for the patients stricken with
this devastating disease,” said Roger Dumoulin-White, President and CEO of
Theralase. He added, “The Theralase light activated PDC drug has been proven to
be superior to any currently approved FDA PDC drug on the market, tested in our
lab and we are working hard to help eliminate this devastating disease that can
dramatically affect so many families. Theralase plans to aggressively pursue
commercialization of our ground-breaking PDC technology through the accelerated
FDA regulatory approval process. This
FDA process is able to "fast-track" approval when a treatment is
shown, through proven success rate, to have a positive impact on a serious,
life-threatening medical conditions for which no other drug or treatment exists
or is as effective.”
About Theralase Technologies Inc.
Theralase Technologies Inc.,
founded in 1995, designs, develops, manufactures and markets patented,
superpulsed laser technology utilized in biostimulation and biodestruction
applications. Theralase technology is safe and effective in treating pain,
inflammation and for tissue regeneration of neural muscular skeletal conditions
and wound healing in both humans and animals. Theralase complies with all FDA,
Health Canada, CE and international regulatory approvals to ensure effective,
safe and high quality products. Theralase also develops patented Photo Dynamic
Compound (PDC) technology focused at targeting and destroying cancers, bacteria
and viruses when light activated by Theralase’s proprietary and patented laser
technologies.
For further information please
visit www.theralase.com , regulatory filings may be viewed by
visiting 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.