Researchers have discovered a significant new mechanism of action for a new class of Photo Dynamic Compounds (PDCs), that have been custom designed to destroy cancer cells when activated by a proprietary light source.
Theralase Advanced Cancer Therapy Research Recognized at Major International Conference
1. Press Release
Theralase Advanced Cancer Therapy Research Recognized at Major
International Conference
Toronto, Ontario – May 16, 2013, Theralase Technologies Inc. (TSXV: TLT) (“Theralase”)
announced today that its researchers have discovered a significant new mechanism of
action for a new class of Photo Dynamic Compounds (PDCs), that have been custom
designed to destroy cancer cells when activated by a proprietary light source.
The preclinical study, conducted by Theralase scientists and their colleagues at University
Health Network’s Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, was presented on May 15, at the
Laser World of Photonics conference held in Munich, Germany.
In previous preclinical studies, Theralase’s PDCs have been proven to be promising anti-
cancer agents in various cancer models. Their efficacy involved a number of critical
cellular processes, including DNA damage and programmed cell death. All PDCs were
thought to work primarily by oxygen-dependent mechanisms, ultimately causing cell
death in the presence of highly reactive oxygen. In this study; however, scientists
established that a new class of Theralase PDCs have an additional “oxygen independent”
mechanism of action, which would increase efficacy in the destruction of more clinically
aggressive tumours.
The research lead by Dr. Lothar Lilge, Senior Scientist, Ontario Cancer Institute, Princess
Margaret Cancer Centre and Dr. Arkady Mandel, Chief Scientific Officer, Theralase has
shown that specific metal-based PDCs when tested for effectiveness of cancer destruction
in a low oxygen environment were proven to be highly effective in the destruction of
human brain cancer cells in-vitro, thus activating this newly discovered pathway.
Additionally using this pathway, Theralase scientists confirmed in a preclinical model a
complete response rate and the destruction of subcutaneous (under the skin) colon
cancer tumours in mice, which were treated with Theralase’s anti-cancer PDC technology.
On follow-up, the initial complete response was maintained in two-thirds of the animals
for over 1 year without recurrence.
Roger Dumoulin-White, President and CEO of Theralase Technologies Inc. stated,
“Recognition of our world class anti-cancer research at the Munich conference is another
testament to the cutting edge research our scientists are conducting in this field. Our
findings would strongly suggest that Theralase’s PDCs oxygen independent potency would
significantly enhance our ability to destroy cancer cells. Tumours in a low oxygen
environment have been extremely challenging because this lack of oxygen renders solid
tumours much more resistant to therapeutic interventions. Many traditional therapeutic
agents, conducted on poorly oxygenated solid core tumours, including any currently FDA
approved PDCs, are susceptible to a “self-limiting” activity; whereby, below a critical
threshold oxygenation level, their efficacy is progressively reduced resulting in minimal to
no cancer cell destruction. This new class of Theralase PDCs are not susceptible to this
2. Press Release
“self-limiting” activity and as a result maintain their efficacy even in extremely low
oxygenated cancerous tumours, such as breast and prostate cancer. As a result, Theralase
is extremely excited about the latest research and what it means in the field of cancer
destruction. Theralase is committed to the early commercialization of its patented light
activated Photo Dynamic Compounds in the areas of anti-cancer and anti-bacterial
applications to generate substantial revenues for the Company and hence dramatically
increase shareholder value.”
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 Theralase
is currently developing patented Photo Dynamic Compounds (PDCs) that are able to
target and destroy cancers, bacteria and viruses when light activated by Theralase’s
proprietary laser technology.
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.
For More Information, please contact:
Roger Dumoulin-White,
President & CEO
416-699-LASE (5273) ext. 225
rwhite@theralase.com
Kristina Hachey
Chief Financial Officer
416-699-LASE (5273) ext. 224
khachey@theralase.com
Greg Bewsh
Director of Investor Relations
416-699-LASE (5273) ext. 258
gbewsh@theralase.com