ANTI-INFLAMMATORY PROPERTIES OF CUPRINDO™ CONFIRMED IN...

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY PROPERTIES OF CUPRINDO™ CONFIRMED IN PRE-CLINICAL
TRIALS BY THE HEART RESEARCH INSTITTUE
• Cuprindo™ was used in a “rabbit collar” model to
investigate its ability to prevent acute cardiovascular
inflammation, the precursor to atherosclerosis
• Anti-inflammatory action by Cuprindo™ was comparable to
that of Indomethacin, a highly potent anti-inflammatory with
a poor safety profile
• Cuprindo™ results from early safety trials together with the
current efficacy results could mean that Cuprindo™ is as
effective, but safer that Indomethacin
• Further pre-clinical trials of Cuprindo™ are currently planned
in chronic vascular conditions, such as atherosclerosis, to
confirm efficacy and improved safety
Sydney, 21 May 2007: Medical Therapies Limited (ASX: MTY), announced today
that single dose application of its copper Indomethacin complex, Cuprindo™, has
shown significant anti-inflammatory action that would likely prevent arterial plaque
formation in rabbits.
Inflammation is thought to be the precursor of plaque formation in the arteries,
which often leads to serious cardiovascular conditions such as thrombosis and
heart attack. Preventing vascular inflammation could be a highly effective, early
stage preventative of cardiovascular disease.
In addition, recent restrictions on the use of certain anti-inflammatory drugs with
adverse side effects mean that there is a significant opportunity for a safe and
effective anti-inflammatory treatment.
Indomethacin has been one of the most effective oral anti-inflammatory drugs
sold for over 40 years; however it is also associated with serious side effects such as
stomach ulcerations. Medical Therapies’ Cuprindo™ is a metal complex of
Indomethacin which, when compared with Indomethacin itself, has shown
reduced side effects in previous animal experiments.
The current rabbit trial carried out by Professor Philip Barter and his team at the
Heart Research Institute in Sydney shows equivalent anti-inflammatory action to
that of Indomethacin. Professor Barter stated that "the data provide supporting
evidence of using Cuprindo™ in the treatment of acute vascular inflammation
and provides the basis for additional trials in chronic conditions such as
atherosclerosis”.
“We are encouraged that, together with our early toxicity results, comparable
efficacy means Cuprindo™ could be safer than Indomethacin but just as
effective” said Maria Halasz, Chief Executive Officer of Medical Therapies.
Trial design and results
• The pre-clinical trial was conducted by Professor Philip Barter at the Heart
Research Institute using an established rabbit collar model of acute
cardiovascular inflammation.
• The aim of the trial was to investigate anti-inflammatory action by
Indomethacin like compounds, including Cuprindo™.
• Negative (no collar) and positive (collar with no treatment) controls were
used to establish base lines for the trial.
• Single dose of Indomethacin (3mg/kg), Cuprindo™ (3mg/kg; 2mg/kg), zinc
Indomethacin (3mg/kg; 2mg/kg) and Cu-ACM (copper-acemetacin)
(3mg/kg) were applied for 24 hours.
• Reduction of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 markers was measured as an indication
of anti-inflammatory action.
• Compared with the positive control significant reduction of VCAM-1 and
ICAM-1 levels was achieved by Cuprindo™ at 3mg/kg and 2mg/kg doses
respectively.
• Reduction of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 levels by Cuprindo™ was similar to that
of Indomethacin.
About Medical Therapies Limited (ASX: MTY):
Medical Therapies Limited is an Australian pharmaceutical development company
committed to the commercialisation of its drug candidates for a range of antiinflammatory
conditions. The Company’s patent-protected technologies originate from
The University of Sydney and include a number of metal complexes of anti-inflammatory
drugs showing increased safety and reduced toxicity in pre-clinical trials.
For further information visit www.medicaltherapies.com.au or contact:
Maria Halasz
Chief Executive Officer
T +61 2 9889 1222
M +61 416 008 413