News - Finally!
Thursday February 10, 11:03 am Eastern Time
Company Press Release
Nortran Pre-Clinical Antiarrhythmic Data Presented
VANCOUVER, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 10, 2000-- Nortran Pharma(CDNX:NRT - news; OTC Bulletin Board:NTRDF - news)
Nortran Pharmaceuticals today announced that studies have been presented at a leading pharmacology conference showing the ability of Nortran's compounds to block cardiac potassium channels. This feature of Nortran's anti-arrhythmic drug candidates helps ensure that Nortran's drugs are not only effective but also safe. The data confirms primate tests showing that Nortran's drug candidates are strongly atria-selective.
The data were presented at the Western Pharmacology Society annual meeting in Tuscon, Arizona on Jan. 25, 2000 by Nortran senior scientist Sandro Yong. The data showed that all four Nortran drugs tested showed significant block of the potassium channels that are most important in the atria of the heart. This specific ion channel blockade contributes significantly to the ability of Nortran's drug candidates to safely prevent or treat atrial arrhythmia.
Cardiac arrhythmia is an irregular pattern of heartbeats which in extreme cases prevents the heart from pumping. Such arrhythmia is a major cause of mortality in the developed world, accounting for up to 8% of all deaths. Atrial arrhythmia is the most common form, and is a major cause of both stroke and congestive heart failure. Current anti-arrhythmic drugs have side effects that are often fatal. Identifying safe and effective anti-arrhythmic drugs is therefore a critical priority in the treatment of heart disease.
``Nortran's progress in creating such safe and effective anti-arrhythmic drugs has also been reflected in collaborative research agreements with AstraZeneca and Aventis Pharma.' said Dr. Greg Beatch, Vice -President of Research. ``Both companies are testing Nortran's drugs with an interest in licensing the drugs, and these studies are now close to completion.' The two collaborative partners are among the world's largest pharmaceutical companies.
In other company developments, Nortran's cough compound, CP1 is scheduled to commence Phase II clinical trials in the first quarter. This study is taking place under the supervision of Inveresk Research Inc., one of the world's leading clinical research organizations. Final preparations are being made with the Royal Brompton Hospital in London, (UK) for dosing patients with chronic idiopathic cough - prolonged high sensitivity to cough stimulus.
Nortran also is actively developing its pro-erectile project, under the direction of Dr. Paul Doherty, recently appointed as project director. An internal program is underway to confirm the mechanism of action of the drug and to test alternative development candidates. As well, partnering discussions continue to be pursued with several potential candidates.
Nortran Pharmaceuticals Ltd. is a commercially focused drug discovery company. Using pathology targeted small molecules, Nortran is developing drugs for treatment of serious medical conditions affecting large numbers of people. Current Nortran drugs in development target life-threatening arrhythmias of the heart and intractable cough.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD,
``Bob Rieder', President & Chief Executive Officer
WARNING: THE COMPANY RELIES ON LITIGATION PROTECTION FOR ``FORWARD-LOOKING' STATEMENTS.
THE CANADIAN VENTURE EXCHANGE HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS NEWS RELEASE
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Contact:
Nortran Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Bob Rieder, 604/222-5577
604/222-6617 (FAX)
Website: www.nortran.com
E-mail: admin@nortran.com |
