PurGenesis announces significant milestones within its pharmaceutical program

11-May-2010 - Canada

PurGenesis Technologies Inc. announced positive results from a Phase I clinical trial on PUR0110, the Company's lead investigational new drug for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. This successful trial was designed to evaluate the safety and maximum tolerated dose of PUR0110.

"The results of this study are very encouraging and demonstrate that PUR0110, a botanical drug product formulated as a rectal enema, can be safely administered in patients with ulcerative colitis," said Eugene Melnyk, Chairman of the Board.

PUR0110 is a botanical drug that modulates both the TNF-alpha/Il-10 ratio and interleukin 1b levels. These cytokines orchestrate the development of chronic inflammation in ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory disorders.

"These safety data paved the way for the initiation of our Phase II program in the ulcerative colitis patient population," added Dr. André P. Boulet, President and Chief Operating Officer. "The results are particularly remarkable as PUR0110 modulates several pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines which have been, to-date, the targets of only expensive biologics. In March, we received regulatory approval to initiate a Phase IIa clinical study in patients with ulcerative colitis. Patient recruitment is expected to be initiated in June, 2010," concluded Dr Boulet.

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