MARIETTA, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
ProtoKinetix, Incorporated () (the "Company" or "ProtoKinetix") (OTCQB: ), a clinical-stage biomedical company, today announced that after the conclusion of 4-years of extensive testing, evidence of fully functional retinal cells was conclusively achieved. Based on these results Dr. Kevin Gregory-Evans shortly submitting a paper for publication in a peer reviewed journal.
In vivo tests demonstrated that transplantation of PPCs pre-treated with AAGP® (PKX-001) results in statistically significant improvements in both the visual behavioral (optokinetic tracking test) and functional analysis (electroretinogram test) responses as compared with PPCs without pre-treatment. Imaging data revealed that pre-treatment of PPCs with AAGP® also leads to a substantial enhancement of cell survival as determined at 3, 4.5 and 6 months after cell transplantation. At the 6-month time point, the AAGP®-treated cells acquired the ability to express retinal and synaptic proteins, confirming that AAGP® has no adverse effect on precursor cells’ maturation.
Macular degeneration, or age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is a leading cause of vision loss in Americans 60 and older. It is a disease that destroys sharp, central vision. Central vision is crucial for seeing objects clearly and doing tasks such as reading and driving.
AMD affects the macula, which is the part of the eye that allows you to see fine detail. AMD does not hurt, but it causes cells in the macula to die. There are two types of AMD: wet and dry. Wet AMD happens when abnormal blood vessels grow under the macula. These new blood vessels often leak blood and fluid. Wet AMD damages the macula quickly. Blurred vision is a common early symptom. Dry AMD happens when the light-sensitive cells in the macula slowly break down resulting in the loss of central vision.
The study was conducted by the Gregory-Evans Retinal Therapeutic Lab at the University of British Columbia.
"We are very excited by these latest results showing functional benefits with these AAGP®-pre treated stem cells.” – Dr. Kevin Gregory-Evans
The success of these tests opens doors for ProtoKinetix AAGP® in the entire field of regenerative medicine. The next step towards commercialization is partnering with a major pharma to adapt AAGP® into their current clinical trial program. The global ophthalmic therapeutics/drug market is expected to reach USD $35.7 billion by 2025, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc.
In addition, for an update on our ocular dry eye disease and ocular inflammation program please click here:
Visit our new website at for more information and to join our email list.
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 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. 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. 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. Refer to our risk factors set forth in our reports filed on Edgar. 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.
View source version on businesswire.com:
