PurGenesis announces significant cosmeceutical program milestone

    
    -   Outstanding clinical results achieved for novel anti-aging products

    -   Products ready to be marketed
    

MONTMAGNY, QC, May 20 /CNW Telbec/ - PurGenesis Technologies, Inc. (PurGenesis) today announced the successful completion of the development of a unique line of anti-aging cosmeceutical products. The product line consists of three unique, anti-aging formulations: Day Cream, Night Cream and Eye Cream. The PurGenesis anti-aging product line has been evaluated in human clinical trials executed by an independent research organization under the supervision of a dermatologist as principal investigator.

In a comparative clinical study, PurGenesis anti-aging product line was compared to two leading, commercial prestigious anti-aging brands in 72 subjects over a 28 day treatment period. The efficacy parameters evaluated included: the effect on skin appearance, hydration, and elasticity; profilometry (effect on wrinkles) as well as the sensory attributes of the product. The results indicate that PurGenesis' anti-aging line has significantly superior efficacy compared to the two leading prestigious brands in term of anti-wrinkle effect (213% and 246% improvement compared to the two brands respectively). In addition, the PurGenesis product line demonstrated the highest level of hydration and was the only anti-aging product that produced significant improvements in firmness at Day 28.

"With in vitro results this favourable and clinical trial data that support the efficacy of this unique product line, PurGenesis is now ready to initiate licensing discussions with potential commercialization partners for this product offering" said Mr. Eugene Melnyk, Chairman of the Board; founder and former Chairman and CEO of Biovail Corporation (Symbol BVF: NYSE, TSE).

"The cosmeceutical products we are developing are strategically important for our company. Significant market opportunities exist for effective cosmeceutical products. Given the right sales and marketing partner and recognising the rapidity with which such products can be brought to market, we believe that entry into the cosmeceutical space holds significant potential for our Company" added Dr André P. Boulet, PurGenesis President and COO. "The Company's cosmeceutical product pipeline also includes a complementary sun care product line."

Background

The skin is chronically exposed to both endogenous and environmental factors every day that can cause damage and accelerate skin aging. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) or free radicals are produced by normal chemical reactions in the body as well as by exposure to UV radiation, pollution, smoking, stress and other external factors. Anti-oxidants applied topically can play a key role in reducing skin damage caused by such free radicals.

PurGenesis' anti-aging cream is formulated using the Company's proprietary R-Spinasome(TM) complex, the efficacy of which is based on its long-lasting anti-oxidant activity. It has the ability to continually capture noxious energy generated by all types of ROS through its molecular complex. It is this dynamism and regeneration capacity that provides the R-Spinasome(TM) complex with unprecedented, long-lasting anti-oxidant protective characteristics.

In vitro studies with PurGenesis' cream demonstrated longer lasting anti-oxidant protection and a stronger protective effect against UV radiation as compared to two leading, commercial, prestigious anti-aging creams.

An independent research organization, under the supervision of a dermatologist as principal investigator, conducted the following human clinical trials on the PurGenesis' anti-aging product line:

    
    -   Human Repeat Insult Patch Test Studies
    -   Occular irritation study
    -   Photo-toxicity study
    -   Non-comedogenicity study
    -   Comparative clinical study between PurGenesis products and two major
        anti-aging product brands
    -   Consumer panel study
    

The results obtained from these studies confirmed that PurGenesis' products did not produce any signs of photo-toxic reaction after UVA exposure and showed no evidence of ophthalmic, cutaneous irritation or skin sensitization. Moreover, these studies have shown that the PurGenesis' products are non-comedogenic. The product line is classified as non-irritant and hypo-allergenic.

Furthermore, in a consumer panel study conducted in Washington DC, 92% of participants, after only 2 weeks, reported that lines and wrinkles appeared diminished. Furthermore, 100% of participants reported that their skin was smoother, firmer, brighter and more luminous. At the end of the study, 92% of participants indicated they would switch from their current cream to PurGenesis' anti-aging products.

About R-SPINASOME(TM)

R-Spinasome(TM) is an active complex with anti-oxidative properties which have been demonstrated by in vitro and in vivo studies. It is incorporated into PurGenesis' cosmeceutical anti-aging and sun care product lines.

About PurGenesis Technologies Inc.

PurGenesis is a privately-held, leading Canadian botanical pharmaceutical company that uses novel therapeutic approaches to develop highly promising therapies for significant markets with unmet medical needs. The company is developing novel botanical therapies to treat human inflammatory diseases. PurGenesis' pharmaceutical lead product is PUR0110, a new investigational botanical drug with strong anti-inflammatory effects with applications in multiple therapeutic areas. While prescription botanical drugs are its core business, the Company is also involved in the development of high value cosmeceutical products.

For further information: Hélène Courville, PurGenesis Technologies Inc., [phone], ext. 221, [email protected]