PROCYON BIOPHARMA INC ("PBP-V") - Screening Test for Colorectal Cancer Shows
Encouraging Results
At the Canadian Conference on Colon Cancer, hosted recently by the McGill University Cancer
Center, COLOPATH(TM), Procyon BioPharma's ("Procyon") proprietary screening test in
late-stage development for colorectal pathology, (cancer and large polyps which generally result in
cancer) was reported to have encouraging results indicating sensitivity to cancer in the order of 88
%. The test, which consists of a simple rectal examination by a physician, measures the presence of
a substance in the rectal mucus correlated to pathology in the colon.
Preliminary data was also presented linking the presence of the COLOPATH(TM) "marker"
measured in the rectal mucus to identifiable changes in the lining of the colon of patients with cancer
and/or large polyps. This is a novel and potentially significant link as it suggests that individuals with a
family history of cancer, or those under current treatment may be tested for risk or recurrence at a
much earlier stage.
The scientific presentation entitled, "Pre-Symptomatic Detection of Colorectal Pathology", was
made by Dr. Gabriel G. Altmann, of the University of Western Ontario's Department of Anatomy. It
is slated for publication in the Canadian Journal of Gastroenterology in the near future.
"It is well known that the early detection of colon cancer saves lives, and Procyon is committed to
pursuing the development of a first-line general screening test for individuals 50 years of age and
older," said Hans J. Mader, Procyon's President and CEO. "This preliminary study suggests that
COLOPATH(TM) detects the existence of cancer in the colon at the cellular level before it can be
detected by colonoscopy. For patients and health-care professionals this is good news. It means
faster, easier and more economical detection of a potentially fatal disease that can be cured if caught
in time," he added.
Colon Cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer
related deaths in the North America. The National Cancer Institute of Canada estimates that more
than one in sixteen people in North America will contract the disease at some point in their lives.
Colorectal cancer is easily treated when detected at its early, asymptomatic stages. The keys to
reducing mortality from colorectal cancer are early diagnosis and prompt intervention.
Early diagnosis is facilitated by an effective screening test. Currently, the only available screening test
for colorectal cancer is the fecal occult blood test ("FOBT"), which is designed to detect blood in
the stool, and involves the patient collecting up to three sequential stool samples that are analyzed at
a lab. Despite the widespread availability of this test, only 37 % of colorectal cancers are discovered
at an early stage. Accordingly, the American Cancer Society recommends that individuals over the
age of 50 undergo annual screening for colorectal cancer, which represents a North American
market of over 60 million people.
Procyon BioPharma Inc. is a publicly listed, biopharmaceutical company focused principally on
advancing two powerful platform technologies that have the potential to diagnose and treat cancer.
Procyon's Antinuclear Autoantibodies (ANAs) bind specifically to multiple cancer cell types strongly
enhancing the immune response to cancer cells. Prostate Secretory Protein (PSP94) is a naturally
occurring human protein that has the potential to treat prostate cancer by inhibiting abnormal
prostate cell growth. In addition, the estimation of PSP94 levels in prostate cancer patients may
have prognostic and diagnostic applications. Procyon also has two late-stage products:
FIBROSTAT(TM), a topical cream for the management of newly formed scars following surgery or
burns and COLOPATH(TM), a rapid, non-invasive screening test for colorectal cancer.
Procyon's shares trade on the CDNX under the ticker symbol, PBP. The Canadian Venture
Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this
release. TEL: (514) 685-9283 Procyon BioPharma Inc.
Hans J. Mader, President and CEO E-mail: hmader@procyonbiopharma.com Internet:
www.procyonbiopharma.com TEL: (514) 843-2309 NATIONAL Public Relations
Nathalie Bourque
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