MARIETTA, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

ProtoKinetix, Incorporated () (the "Company" or "ProtoKinetix") (OTCQB: PKTX), a clinical-stage biomedical company, today announced the publication of a peer reviewed research paper describing and interpreting the results examining the benefit provided by AAGP® to enable human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) derived retinal precursor cells transplanted to restor vision in an experimental model of blindness due to retina degeneration. The paper has been published by the prestigious Journal of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine. The focus of this journal is therapeutic approaches which combine stem/progenitor cells with bioactive agents to restore, maintain, or improve tissue or organ function.

Vision loss due to degeneration of the retina, most commonly the macula, commonly appears with aging, comorbid cardiovascular conditions, genetics, or other exposures. Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) currently has no cure and is the leading cause of blindness in the USA after deterioration in loss of reduced sharp central vision necessary for daily tasks like reading or driving. By 2050, the number of people in the USA with AMD is estimated to be 5.44 million.

Cells transplanted without AAGP® offered no benefits in electroretinography (ERG) or optokinetic tracking (OKT), which are advanced techniques used to measure vision function. By comparison, AAGP® treated cells showed 3-fold greater improvement in both ERG & OKT — with more transplanted cells surviving long-term in the retina. Only AAGP® treated cells showed maturation and integration with the host retina. This overcomes a significant challenge not previously achieved to offer new hope for AMD patients and opportunity for cell therapy products to succeed for clinicians in need of protecting cell for transplant.

This study was completed by Dr. Kevin Gregory-Evans, MD, PhD, Professor of Opthalmology & the Julia Levy Leadership Chair in Macular Research at the University of British Columbia. A panel member of the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine & Canadian Institutes of Health Research. Previously, a reader in molecular ophthalmology at Imperial College London. An ophthalmologist and global leader in macular research and regenerative medicine development.

"We have now completed both structural and functional studies in cell transplantation in model systems of blindness. Concurrent use of PKTX-001 has shown to significantly improve cell survival and integration into host tissue and will be a valuable asset in the field of regenerative medicine in the future". – Dr. Kevin Gregory-Evans M.D., Ph.D.

"We are happy to celebrate this milestone, which is the product of 5-years of intense research. This enables us as a company to focus on development and we will be looking forward to disclosing more on that in the near future.” – Clarence Smith, CEO President

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. According to , the global market for organ transplantation is estimated to reach $51 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 9.9% over the forecast period, driven by an aging population with increasing incidence of chronic disease, organ failures, and rising demand for transplant products, such as tissue products, immunosuppressants, and organ preservation solutions.

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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.

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