MARIETTA, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

ProtoKinetix, Incorporated () (the "Company" or "ProtoKinetix") (OTCQB:) announces the completion of an in vivo study to assess the effect of AAGP® on the long term survival and functional activity of photoreceptor precursor cells (PPCs) in the animal ocular model of genetic retinal degeneration.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of 24-hour pre-treatment with anti-aging glycoprotein (AAGP®) PKX-001 at 4 mg/mL on the long-term (3, 4.5 and 6 months) survival and functional activity of PPCs) following their subretinal transplantation into the eye of nude immunocompromised rats with genetic retinal degeneration.

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.

"AAGP® is proving itself to be a very useful pharmaceutical for markedly improving cell survival when transplanted into model systems. That this is important is proven by the functional benefits we are seeing in these models that would now warrant clinical trials." – 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.

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, tissues and organs 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 trial. 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.

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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.

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