iCo Therapeutics iCo-009 (Oral Amphotericin B) Published in Leading Drug Delivery Journal
VANCOUVER, March 17, 2008 /CNW/ - iCo Therapeutics Inc.
(TSX-V: ICO) is pleased to announce that iCo-009 has been
highlighted in a leading drug delivery journal, Advanced Drug
Delivery Reviews. The paper discusses the development of a
novel oral Amphotericin B (AmpB) formulation ("iCo-009") with
significant antifungal activity, minimal kidney toxicity, and
enhanced oral absorption of
AmpB.
The publication, "Enhanced drug absorption using lipids: A case
study presenting the development and pharmacological
evaluation of a novel lipid-based oral Amphotericin B
formulation for the treatment of systemic fungal infections",
provides further detail on the potential mechanisms by which
oral iCo-009 knocks down fungal
infections.
Publication highlights:
- iCo-009 significantly decreased (95%) organ fungal
concentration of Aspergillus fumigatus compared to controls in
the brain and the spleen, two organs where Aspergillus
fumigatus typically localizes in this animal
model.
- iCo-009 shows enhanced gastrointestinal tract
absorption, plasma concentration, and tissue
distribution.
- iCo-009 shows minimal renal
toxicity.
- iCo-009 significantly decreased plasma galactomannan
antigen levels. Detection of galactomannan in the blood can be
used to diagnose Aspergillus fumigatus infections in
humans.
"iCo continues to be impressed by the work of Drs. Kishor &
Ellen Wasan," stated Andrew Rae, President & CEO of iCo
Therapeutics. "Their work continues to improve upon the
iCo-009 formulation represented in the paper, with newer
formulations showing even more dramatic anti-fungal activity
and bioavailability. iCo-009 has the potential to treat not
just systemic fungal infections, but also parasitical
diseases such as Leishmaniasis in the developing world. iCo
remains very committed to UBC's global access policy and we
look forward to proceeding with development in both
markets."
iCo has an option agreement with The University of British Columbia
(UBC) for iCo-009's development, which also represents a new
drug delivery technology with the potential to reprofile
other IV administered drugs to the oral route of
administration. iCo plans to develop iCo-009 under the
505(b)(2) section of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic
Act, which expressly permits the FDA to reference safety data
not developed by the applicant for approval of a New Drug
Application (NDA).
Reference:
The paper is available in the March 17, 2008 edition of Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews. K. Sachs-Barrable, S. Lee, E. Wasan, S. Thornton, K. Wasan. Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews 60 (2008) 692-701.
About iCo Therapeutics
iCo Therapeutics Inc. is a Vancouver-based reprofiling company
focused on redosing or reformulating drugs with clinical
history for new or expanded indications. iCo has exclusive
worldwide rights to two products, iCo-007, in Phase I for the
treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema, and iCo-008, a product
with Phase II clinical history to be developed for severe ocular
allergies. iCo Therapeutics also has an exclusive option to
license iCo-009, a oral reformulation of Amphotericin B for
sight and life-threatening diseases. iCo- 009 also represents
a new drug delivery technology with the potential to
reprofile other IV administered drugs to the oral route of
administration. iCo Therapeutics trades on the TSX-Venture
exchange under the symbol
"ICO".
For more information, visit the company website at:
http://www.icotherapeutics.com
No regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the content of this release. The TSX Venture Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Forward Looking Statements
Certain statements included in this press release may be considered forward-looking. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by such statements, and therefore these statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. All forward-looking statements are based on iCo Therapeutics' current beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to iCo Therapeutics and relate to, among other things, anticipated financial performance, business prospects, strategies, regulatory developments, market acceptance and future commitments. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Due to risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties identified by iCo Therapeutics in its public securities filings; actual events may differ materially from current expectations. iCo Therapeutics disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
For further information: Business Development Contact: Dr. John Clement, CT&DO, (778) 688-0644; Finance Contact: Mr. John Meekison, CFO, (604) 602-9414 x 224; Investor/Media Contact: Frederica Bell, Corporate Development, (604) 602-9414 x 228/
Posted: March 2008
