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Biotech / Medical : IMI:TSE International Medical Innovations Inc. -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: gg cox who wrote (8)	4/9/2002 12:08:54 PM
From: thebeach	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 66

Here is something that is tied in with IMI: Tuesday April 9, 10:14 am Eastern Time Press Release SOURCE: Procyon Biopharma Inc. Novel Potential Therapeutic Role of PSP94 in Metastasis of Prostate Cancer Reported at the AACR - Researchers at McGill University and Procyon Biopharma present data on reduction of hypercalcemia with PSP94 TICKER SYMBOL: PBP (TSE) MONTREAL, April 9 /CNW/ - Researchers from McGill University, and Procyon Biopharma Inc, Montreal (TSE:PBP - news) reported that new findings suggest a potential role for PSP94 (Prostate Secretory Protein) in reduction of malignancy associated hypercalcemia, in addition to the previously shown effects of the protein on inhibition of hormone resistant prostate cancer in animal studies. The findings were revealed at an oral presentation yesterday at the 93rd American Association For Cancer Research (AACR) meeting in San Francisco. The research conducted by the group led by Dr. Shafaat Rabbani at McGill in collaboration with scientists at Procyon showed, for the first time, that PSP94 significantly reduced hypercalcemia associated with the production of PTHRP (parathyroid hormone related protein) in rat cancer models. PTHRP, a major cytokine in bone, is secreted in high amounts in several cancers, including lung, breast and prostate cancer and has been implicated as a major pathogenic factor of hypercalcemia as well as osteolysis (bone degeneration). The fast growing rat prostate cancer cell line MatLyLu was transfected with PTHRP cDNA and the transfected cells were then injected into the rat both subcutaneously and in the intracardium which results in metastasis and hind limb paralysis. When the animals were treated with microgram quantities of PSP94 significant lowering in serum calcium levels as well as reduction in hind limb paralysis and inhibition of tumor growth, were observed. "This is the first time it has been shown that PSP94 has an inhibitory effect on an indicator for cancer metastasis", said Hans Mader, President & CEO of Procyon Biopharma which has developed PSP94 and its peptide analogue PCK3145 for the treatment of hormone refractory prostate cancer. "Prostate cancer when spread to the bone, is one of the most painful and deadly cancers, and we are excited about the potential PSP94 may have in not only treating the primary tumor, but also inhibiting its spread to bones and other organs", he said. Procyon's drug candidate PCK3145 was recently approved by the U.K. Medicines Control Agency for Phase IIa clinical trials in late stage prostate cancer patients. In January 2002, Procyon entered into a 6-month worldwide exclusive license option agreement with Chiron Corporation to evaluate the PSP94 technology, including a recombinant form of PSP94, for prostate cancer therapy. 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 non-pathogenic Antinucleosome Antibodies (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(R), a topical cream for the management of newly formed scars following surgery or burns, which was recently licensed to Biovail Corporation and COLOPATH(R), a rapid, non-invasive screening test for colorectal cancer licensed to IMI. This release contains forward-looking statements that reflect the company's current expectation regarding future events. The forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainties. Actual events could differ materially from those projected herein and depend on a number of factors including, but not limited to, changing market conditions, successful and timely completion of clinical studies, uncertainties related to the regulatory approval process, establishment of corporate alliances and other risks detailed from time to time in the company's filings. For further information Procyon Biopharma Inc.: Hans J. Mader, President and CEO, (514) 685-9283, www.procyonbiopharma.com, ir@procyonbiopharma.com Investor Relations: Renmark Financial Comm. Inc, John Boidman, jboidman@renmarkfinancial.com, (514) 939-3989 Media: Dominic Sicotte, (514) 939-3989, dsicotte@renmarkfinancial.com To request a free copy of this organization's annual report, please go to newswire.ca and click on reports@cnw.

To: gg cox who wrote (8)	5/14/2002 8:22:48 PM
From: gg cox	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 66

May 11, 2002 Johnson & Johnson unit to market IMI's cardiac risk test Goal is to introduce a 'home version' for sale at pharmacies Michael Lewis Financial Post A Toronto-based developer of screening tests for cancer and heart disease says it has signed an agreement that will see a unit of consumer health care giant Johnson & Johnson Inc. market its cardiac risk assessment product in Canada. IMI International Medical Innovations Inc. said yesterday that McNeil Consumer Health Care will distribute the test first to cardiologists and other physicians with significant cardiac practices. Ultimately, the goal is to introduce a "home version" for sale to consumers over-the-counter at retail pharmacies. Brent Norton, IMI chief executive, said McNeil will buy the test product and pay IMI a royalty on sales, in addition to so-called milestone payments based on performance and other factors. He would not disclose terms but said payments will be at the high end of the industry norm. Sales of the screening test would represent IMI's initial revenue from the product, which was cleared for commercial launch in Canada in early 2001. Called Cholesterol 1,2,3, the test has been show in clinical trials to be more reliable than a blood sample in detecting clogged arteries, a frequent cause of heart failure. IMI says Cholesterol 1,2,3, is a three-minute skin application that does not require fasting, lab testing or a blood sample. Instead, liquid drops on the palm of the hand are examined for evidence of cholesterol deposits, with surface cholesterol residue seen as a more direct indicator of heart disease than deposits within artery walls. IMI says it is developing a second-generation prototype for the home market that could involve a test strip that turns colour on contact with cholesterol residue. The current test, which IMI calls the first non-invasive test system to use skin cholesterol to assess coronary artery disease risk, relies on a doctor's colour scanner and computer. IMI said the home product could sell for around $10 per kit -- and at least part of the cost may be eligible for reimbursement under Canadian medicare and drug plans. Mr. Norton said IMI will maintain manufacturing control, though McNeil under terms of the renewable 15-year deal will participate in product development. He said the agreement with Guelph, Ont.-based McNeil could pave the way for other marketing and distribution pacts outside of Canada, perhaps with other affiliates of New Jersey-based Johnson & Johnson. A key, however, remains approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, with response to IMI's application expected within weeks. Assuming regulatory clearance, IMI says it plans to pursue marketing deals in the U.S. and Europe aimed at introducing the test strip to the mass consumer market. According to a report from New York-based research firm Theta Reports, more than 600-million cholesterol tests were performed globally in 2000, with the market expected to grow over the next two decades by more than 20% per year. Under the pact, IMI says McNeil gains exclusive rights for the Canadian market to both the professional skin cholesterol test system and the eventual home version. Canada is the first market in which the product is commercially available.