Isotechnika's Canadian Phase 3 Psoriasis Trial Published in The Lancet
EDMONTON, April 17, 2008 /CNW/ - (TSX:ISA) - Isotechnika
Inc. announced today that The Lancet will publish an article
titled "Efficacy of ISA247 in plaque psoriasis: a randomised,
multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase III
study" in this week's edition of the publication. The article
discusses the relationship between drug dose and clinical
response demonstrated in the Canadian Phase 3 trial,
suggesting that patients can be more accurately dosed to
achieve desired response compared with currently marketed
calcineurin inhibitors. An editorial will also be included on
the use of voclosporin (ISA247) as a treatment for patients
suffering from moderate to severe
psoriasis.
"The Lancet is one of the world's leading peer-reviewed medical
journals and we are extremely honoured that this prestigious
journal would acknowledge the work we are doing with
voclosporin in the field of psoriasis," stated Dr. Robert
Foster, Isotechnika Chairman & CEO. "To that end, we would
also like to take this opportunity to thank all of the
patients, investigators and study coordinators who
participated in the trial. Without them we would not be able
to advance voclosporin through the clinical trial
process."
Interested parties will be able to access this week's edition
of The Lancet by visiting their website on Saturday, April
19th, 2008 at http://www.thelancet.com/. Once you
access the website, click on "This Week's Issue" then click
on "articles".
About Isotechnika
Edmonton-based Isotechnika Inc. is an international
biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and
development of novel immunosuppressive therapeutics that are
designed to offer advantages over other currently available
treatments. There is a significant unmet medical need in the
treatment of both solid organ transplantation and autoimmune
disease. It is estimated that the market potential exceeds $2
billion annually in sales for calcineurin inhibitors such as
voclosporin. Voclosporin is a next
generation calcineurin inhibitor, which recently completed a
Phase 2b North American trial for the prevention of kidney
rejection following transplantation. An extension to the Phase 2b
trial and a combined Phase 3 European/Canadian trial for the
treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis are ongoing. Our
partner, Lux Biosciences, is currently conducting three
separate Phase 2/3 pivotal trials investigating voclosporin
(referred to as LX211 by Lux) for the treatment of
uveitis.
Isotechnika Inc. is a publicly traded company on the Toronto
Stock Exchange under the symbol "ISA". More information on
Isotechnika can be found at http://www.isotechnika.com">www.isotechnika.com.
Partnerships with Isotechnika Inc.
- Roche retains an option to continue development of the
transplant indications based on the successful completion of the
ongoing Phase 2b kidney transplant
trial.
- Atrium Medical Corporation has exclusive worldwide
licensing agreement for use of voclosporin and TAFA93 with
drug eluting devices for non-systemic treatment of vascular,
cardiovascular, target vessel and tissue
disorders.
- Lux Biosciences Inc. was granted worldwide rights to
develop and commercialize voclosporin for the treatment and
prophylaxis of all ophthalmic
diseases.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements, including the Company's belief as to the potential of its products, the Company's expectations regarding the issuance of additional patents and the Company's ability to protect its intellectual property, involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those in the forward looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, the availability of funds and resources to pursue research and development projects, the ability to economically manufacture its products, the potential of its products, the success and timely completion of clinical studies and trials, the Company's ability to successfully commercialize its products, the ability of the Company to defend its patents from infringement by third parties, and the risk that the Company's patents may be subsequently shown to be invalid or infringe the patents of others. Investors should consult the Company's quarterly and annual filings with the Canadian commissions for additional information on risks and uncertainties relating to the forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned against placing undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
For further information: Stephanie Gillis-Paulgaard, Director, Corporate Communications, Isotechnika Inc., Phone: (780) 487-1600 ext 243, Fax: (780) 484-4105, E-mail:sgillis-paulgaard@isotechnika.com/
Posted: April 2008
