MARIETTA, Ohio–(BUSINESS WIRE)–lt;a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AAGP?src=hash" target="_blank"gt;#AAGPlt;/agt;–ProtoKinetix, Incorporated (www.protokinetix.com)
(the “Company” or “ProtoKinetix”) (OTCQB:PKTX)
is announcing that the Company has secured a partnership agreement with
IMPART investigator team Canada at Dalhousie University and has now
commenced studies to reveal the benefits of PKX-001 (AAGP®) in cardiac
metabolism. These studies will determine the efficacy of PKX-001 as a
cardioprotectant and will be led by Diabetes Canada Scholar, Dr. Thomas
Pulinilkunnil. As the director of the IMPART cardiometabolic research
program, Dr. Pulinilkunnil leverages extensive training in molecular and
metabolic sciences from his training at the University of British
Columbia, the University of Alberta Heart Institute and Harvard Medical
School. Dr. Pulinikunnil is currently a tenured Associate Professor at
Dalhousie University, Faculty of Medicine in the Department of
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Dr. Pulinilkunnil will utilize
sophisticated techniques and experimental models of type-2 diabetes,
cardiac ischemia, and cardioncology to evaluate the therapeutic utility
of PKX-001 as a cardioprotectant.
Cardioprotectants are used extensively in hospital settings when the
circulation is bypassed. They are components of cardioplegia solutions
that protect the heart of patients from ischemia (low blood flow), such
as during open-heart surgery or in preparation for heart
transplantation. The metabolic protection identified in work-to-date by
research laboratories using the ProtoKinetix product, AAGP®, as part of
the Company’s product development strategy, has also opened up the
potential for therapeutic protection of the heart during chemotherapy.
Cardioncology is an emerging field of interest globally, as the cure
rates of chemotherapy continue to improve and extend life. Ensuring that
the heart is safe during chemotherapy is of paramount importance to
several treatments regimens.
“I am very optimistic that our program will determine the therapeutic
utility of PKX-001 as a cardioprotective molecule and I am confident
that our team will identify, at least in part, some of the molecular
mechanisms involved in the functionality of PKX-001. Glycopeptides,
such as these, are inherently fascinating to me because they were
inspired by the natural world. As such, the fundamentals have already
been established biologically in nature in demonstrating their ability
to self-protect tissues from harmful conditions like cold temperatures,
low oxygen, and exposure to toxic agents. Developing innovative
therapies inspired by fundamental science is exciting to me and our
research team.” – Dr. Thomas Pulinilkunnil
About IMPART investigator team Canada
IMPART is a growing consortium of scientists and clinicians that are
collaborating to better understand the common threads of chronic disease
related molecular pathophysiology. The team seeks to deliver innovative
medical solutions through research, development, and clinical trials.
The focus of this consortium is to address the unmet medical needs of
special populations and medical conditions involving inflammation,
metabolism, and physical abilities through research translation. The
team is particularly concerned with vulnerable patients, as they have
the most to gain from new medical innovations. The team uses an
interdisciplinary approach to develop research questions, as well as
uncover and deploy novel solutions for unmet medical needs.
About ProtoKinetix, Incorporated
ProtoKinetix is a molecular biotechnology company that has developed and
patented a family of hyper stable, potent glycopeptides (AAGP®) that
enhance both engraftment and protection of transplanted cells used in
regenerative medicine. Due to the results achieved over the last four
years of testing, the University of Alberta has begun Phase 1 human
clinical trials. Additional studies will be expanded to include whole
organ transplantation and all therapies that are being developed
globally to date; diabetes, retinal degeneration, cardiac repair and
many other degenerative conditions. In addition, we are studying the
potential impact on several cancer therapies.
For more Company information and to join our email listing visit our
website at ProtoKinetix.com.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
The information discussed in this press release includes “forward
looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities
Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”) and Section 21E of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). All statements, other
than statements of historical facts, included herein concerning, among
other things, planned capital expenditures, future cash flows and
borrowings, pursuit of potential acquisition opportunities, our
financial position, business strategy and other plans and objectives for
future operations, are forward looking statements. These forward looking
statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as
“may,” “expect,” “estimate,” “project,” “plan,” “believe,” “intend,”
“achievable,” “anticipate,” “will,” “continue,” “potential,” “should,”
“could,” and similar terms and phrases. Although we believe that
the expectations reflected in these forward looking statements are
reasonable, they do involve certain assumptions, risks and uncertainties
and are not (and should not be considered to be) guarantees of future
performance. Among these risks are those set forth in a Form 10-K
filed on March 12, 2019. It is important that each person reviewing this
release understand the significant risks attendant to the operations of
ProtoKinetix. ProtoKinetix disclaims any obligation to update any
forward-looking statement made here.
This press release does not constitute or form a part of any offer or
solicitation to purchase or subscribe for securities in the United
States. The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be
registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities
Act”), or with any securities regulatory authority of any state or other
jurisdiction in the United States, and may not be offered or sold,
directly or indirectly, except pursuant to an exemption from or in a
transaction not subject to the registration requirements of the
Securities Act.
Contacts
Clarence E. Smith
President and Chief Executive Officer
Telephone:
304-299-5070
Email: csmith@protokinetix.com
Twitter:
@ProtoKinetix