Isotechnika Pharma develops portfolio of non-immunosuppressive cyclosporine
analogue molecules (NICAMs)

EDMONTON , Oct. 29 /CNW/ - Isotechnika Pharma Inc. (TSX: ISA) today announced that it has developed a portfolio of non-immunosuppressive cyclosporine analogue molecules (NICAMs) with potent cyclophilin inhibition. Cyclophilin inhibition has garnered considerable attention as a novel therapy in the treatment of a wide range of diseases including hepatitis C, stroke, and chronic neurological disorders such as Parkinson's, Lou Gehrig's, and Alzheimer's. Cyclosporine A is a well established cyclophilin inhibitor, however, its additional strong binding to calcineurin results in powerful immunosuppression and limits its therapeutic potential to transplantation and various autoimmune disorders. NICAMs do not bind to calcineurin yet retain the ability to inhibit cyclophilin.

"With increasing scientific support that cyclophilin is an important target in a number of diseases with few therapeutic options; we believe that our NICAM project has the potential of addressing an unmet need in the marketplace and in the clinic. We shall continue our NICAM program by leveraging our extensive experience working with cyclosporine and its analogues, as well as our internal bio-analytical capabilities and chemistry expertise, to identify NICAMs with the best potential to move forward into pre-clinical trials. Thus far, we have identified a number of NICAMs that have shown potent anti-HCV activity as well as others that have significant potential as neuroprotective agents," said Dr. Robert Foster , President and CEO of Isotechnika Pharma. "We are continuing to advance this program, and are in the process of pursuing co-development or licensing partnerships to further develop the most promising candidates from our portfolio."

    
    About Isotechnika Pharma
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Edmonton-based Isotechnika Pharma Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of novel immunosuppressive therapeutics that are designed to offer advantages over other currently available treatments. There is a significant unmet medical need in the treatment of both solid organ transplantation and autoimmune disease. It is estimated that the market potential will exceed $4 billion annually in sales for calcineurin inhibitors such as voclosporin by 2010.

Voclosporin, Isotechnika's lead drug candidate, is a next generation calcineurin inhibitor. It has completed a Phase 2b study for the prevention of kidney rejection following transplantation and a Phase 3 European/Canadian trial for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis. Through our partner, Lux Biosciences, voclosporin is the subject of a New Drug Application (NDA) in the United States and a Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) in Europe for the treatment of uveitis. Lux Biosciences is also conducting a Phase 1 trial using their proprietary voclosporin ophthalmic solution (LX214) as a candidate for dry eye syndrome. Voclosporin has also entered First-in-Man trials as the drug utilized in the CINATRA(TM) Drug Coated Coronary Stent system developed by the Company's partner, Atrium Medical Corporation.

Isotechnika Pharma Inc. is a publicly traded company on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "ISA". More information on Isotechnika Pharma can be found at www.isotechnika.com or www.SEDAR.com.

    
    Forward-Looking Statements
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This press release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements, including the Company's belief as to the potential of its products, the Company's expectations regarding the issuance of additional patents and the Company's ability to protect its intellectual property, involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those in the forward looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, the availability of funds and resources to pursue research and development projects, the ability to economically manufacture its products, the potential of its products, the success and timely completion of clinical studies and trials, the Company's ability to successfully commercialize its products, the ability of the Company to defend its intellectual property rights from infringement by third parties, and the risk that the Company's intellectual property rights may be subsequently shown to be invalid or infringe the patents of others. Investors should consult the Company's quarterly and annual filings with the Canadian commissions for additional information on risks and uncertainties relating to the forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned against placing undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

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For further information: Dr. Robert Foster, President & CEO, Isotechnika Pharma Inc., [phone] (247), [phone] (fax), [email protected]; Launa Aspeslet, Chief Operating Officer, Isotechnika Pharma Inc., [phone] (225), [phone] (fax), [email protected]