Advitech Announces Positive Clinical and Pre-Clinical Results
QUEBEC CITY, July 3, 2008 /CNW Telbec/ - Advitech Inc. ("Advitech" or the "Company") (TSX Venture Exchange: AVI) announces today positive results from its clinical trials on psoriasis, eczema and pre-clinical program on wound healing.
Clinical Study on Psoriasis (Dermylex(r) or XP-828L)
A double blind, placebo-controlled study has confirmed the efficacy of Dermylex(R) on mild-to-moderate psoriasis at a daily dosage of 800 mg per day. During this study, patients took 800 mg per day of Dermylex(R) for a period of 56 days and efficacy was measured by the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and itching sensation scores at day 1 and day 56. Results showed a significant increased quality of life (DLQI) and a reduced PASI and itching sensation scores by day 56 in subjects taking Dermylex(R)compared to placebo (p(less than)0.05). In summary, daily administration of 800 mg of Dermylex(R) for 56 days is adequate to improve the quality of life and decrease disease severity in patients with mild-to-moderate psoriasis. This study was conducted at the Centre de Recherche Dematologique du Québec Métropolitain in Quebec City. The detailed results of this clinical trial will be published in the next edition of Alternative Medicine Review, a peer reviewed journal.
Clinical Study on Eczema (XP-312)
An open label study conducted by Innovaderm Research, in
Montreal, has generated significant data suggesting that
XP-312, a product developed by Advitech, has utility in the
treatment of eczema. Patients were asked to take 800 mg/day
of XP-312 (oral form) for a period of 90 days. Eczema Area
and Severity Index (EASI) and the Dermatology Life Quality
Index (DLQI) scores were evaluated following 30, 60 and 90
days. Following 90 days of treatment, 66% of patients have
experienced a significant improvement on these scores,
without side effects. Furthermore, 67% of patients taking XP-312
experienced an improvement in the quality of life index after
90 days. More than 50% of the patients showed an improved
condition after only 30 days of treatment.
Both clinical studies (Psoriasis and
Eczema) were approved by Health Canada. Advitech is currently
exploring commercial opportunities for the eczema
product.
"These results on psoriasis and eczema applications further
validate our unique proprietary technological platform for
immune-related skin disorders" said Renaud Beauchesne,
President and CEO of Advitech.
Wound Healing
Recent additional data generated in the Wound Healing
pre-clinical program confirm the unique properties of the
IM-fraction technological platform. New data confirmed an
increase in the metabolic activity of human fibroblasts and a
reduction of collagen contraction while both reducing the
presence of stress fibres and excessive number of fibroblasts, this
suggesting a unique property of the IM-fraction technological
platform to potentially reduce excessive scaring. "These
latter characteristics are very important for the proper
remodelling in wound repair and their simultaneous action in
one single product would be a unique advantage of the
Advitech's IM-Fraction technological platform" has indicated
Dr Charles Doillon M.D, PhD who is piloting this
program.
For the wound healing application, Advitech has a R&D program
targeting a more in depth characterisation of specific
fractions and a toxicology program with additional in-vitro
and in-vivo studies. This significant program will be
initiated this summer and should be completed by year end, or early
2009. As previously stated, the Company intends to seek a
strategic partner to further develop the wound healing
applications.
About Dermylex(R) http://www.dermylex.com
Dermylex(R), developed by Advitech, is an oral natural health product formulated to improve mild-to-moderate psoriasis symptoms. Two clinical trials, including a 112-day, multi-center, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 84 patients, clinically proved the efficacy and safety of Dermylex(R) for that type of psoriasis. Dermylex(R) is currently available in Canada and the U.S. (as BioDerm, Dermalyx(R)), as well as in France and Belgium (as Psopax(R)).
About Eczema:
The general consensus is that Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) is an immune-mediated skin disease characterized by a predominance of IL-4 leading to IgE production resulting in inflammation. Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is a chronic skin disorder characterized by pruritus, dry skin, and excoriation, which may be localized to a few patches or involve large portions of the body. It is a common disease affecting approximately 6% of the general population, particularly children. In the United States alone, it is estimated that more than 15 million individuals are afflicted with this disorder.
About Wound Healing:
According to Epsicom Business Intelligence Ltd., the global wound care market totalled $7.2 billion in 2006, with a 10% growth rate. Growth factors based applications for wound healing represent more than 5% of the market, with an impressive 27% growth rate.
About Advitech Inc. http://www.advitech.com">www.advitech.com:
Advitech is a health sciences and technology company with a mission to discover and commercialize proprietary and evidence-based natural health products. Effective and safe, these products play a role in the prevention of immune-mediated inflammatory disorders, such as psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease. Advitech produces Dermylex(R) for the treatment of mild-to-moderate psoriasis. Advitech has developed a research program for new applications related to wound healing. This development is derived from both its XP-828L and IM technological platforms.
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 TSX Venture Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
For further information: Advitech Inc.: Renaud Beauchesne, MBA, President and Chief Executive Officer, (418) 686-7498, ext. 228, info@advitech.com; Serge Comeau, Investor's relations, (514) 862-4160, s.comeau@advitech.com
