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Biotech / Medical : Procept (PRCT): 50% rise on high volume. Why? -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Douglas who wrote (270)	10/23/1997 7:00:00 AM
From: Douglas	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 455

Demeter is not at the same level of progress as Procept, but it shows that the government is becoming more active in topical microbicides and female protection. Demeter BioTechnologies, Ltd. Announces Peptidyl MIMs(TM) Effective Against STD Pathogens DURHAM, N.C., Oct. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Demeter BioTechnologies, Ltd. (OTC-Bulletin Board: DBOT) announces that its compound Peptidyl MIM(TM) D2A21 is effective in vitro, at low concentrations, in killing a number of microorganisms that cause sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including: Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis, Chlamydia trachomatis, the Herpes Simplex Virus II, and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Dr. Sharon Hillier, of Magee-Womens Research Institute and the University of Pittsburgh, has tested Demeter Peptidyl MIM(TM) D2A21 against several common STD pathogens. Dr. Hillier is an internationally recognized researcher on STDs and Lactobacillus crispatus, the ''good bacteria'' necessary for a healthy vaginal environment. Her studies demonstrated in vitro that D2A21 was effective against gonorrhea and Trichomonas. Particularly significant was the fact that D2A21 was effective at concentrations that do not negatively effect Lactobacillus crispatus. Additionally, D2A21 remained effective in the presence of 10 percent blood serum and at pH's ranging from 4 to 8. Dr. Hillier presented her results at the 37th annual Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (ICAAC) meeting, held recently in Toronto, Canada. According to Dr. Hillier, ''There is a big push in the U.S. from medical research centers and government agencies to provide effective and accessible prophylactic products for women to protect themselves from sexually transmitted infections''. Dr. Hillier is the recipient of funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and her research focuses on testing agents that prevent STDs and also on the role of a healthy vaginal environment for prevention of diseases. Hillier added, ''There is an interest in my laboratory in testing active compounds, like D2A21, as a potential topical microbicide for the prevention of STDs. STD infections are often the cause of serious reproductive problems in women. It is only through the development of new and more effective prophylactic products that women will be able to protect their reproductive health.'' The increasing incidence of STDs and women's need to protect their reproductive health are impetus for development of novel methods of STD prevention. There are approximately 6 million American women infected each year with Chlamydia. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 1996 there were 22 million people worldwide infected with HIV, 62 million new cases of gonorrhea and 170 million new cases of Trichomonas. Demeter was recently awarded a Phase I SBIR grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for $100,000 to conduct pre-clinical tests necessary for development of an intravaginally administered STD prophylactic product. Demeter BioTechnologies, Ltd. has pioneered the design and development of synthetic molecules for anti-infective and anti-cancer applications. Its unique peptide molecules have structures based on principals discovered in naturally occurring peptides, but have greater potency with reduced toxicity. This press release includes forward looking statements which reflect management's current views as to the Company's scientific results, collaborative arrangements, product developments, and other future events and operations. There are considerable risks and challenges to be overcome before a product is commercially viable and regulatory approval obtained. Other companies may develop competing technologies and there is no assurance that the Company's patent position is adequate. Actual results may differ materially from these forward looking statements. The Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward looking statements. For more information, contact Richard D. Ekstrom, President, Demeter BioTechnologies, Ltd. at (919) 682-7181 or Michael Derrick of Progressive Media Group at (800) 262-9798.