Isotechnika Pharma receives grant of $237,069 to support NICAM program

Mar 5 2010

Isotechnika Pharma Inc. (TSX: ISA) today announced that it has received funding approval from the National Research Council's Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) for its Non-Immunosuppressive Cyclosporin Analog Molecules (NICAM) program. The grant of $237,069 will support the development progress of the NICAM program which is part of an emerging therapeutic field that targets large and growing markets.

"Scientific research continues to validate cyclophilins as key disease-modifying targets in the treatment of a wide range of indications from myocardial infarction and virology to central nervous system disorders. Our NICAM candidates have demonstrated potent inhibition of cyclophilins without the immunosuppressive impacts typical of cyclosporine A," said Dr. Launa Aspeslet, COO of Isotechnika Pharma. "This funding is an external validation of our NICAM program awarded through a peer-reviewed process. Research shows that cyclophilin inhibitors have neuroprotective effects which open broad therapeutic areas of completely unmet medical need to Isotechnika such as stroke, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Lou Gehrig's disease."

Although cyclophilins are known molecular targets for a wide range of indications, Isotechnika will use the funding from IRAP to support the identification and selection of lead candidates for neuroprotection at this time. The Company intends to pursue co-development or licensing partnerships to support the development of the NICAM program.