DiaMedica Announces Autoimmune Program With Positive Rheumatoid Arthritis Results
July 28 2010 - 8:33AM
Marketwired
DiaMedica Inc., (TSX VENTURE: DMA) today announces the initiation
of the Company's autoimmune program with the success of DM-99 for
the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune
diseases.
DM-99 was found to reduce joint swelling by up to 90% (p less
than 0.001) in a collagen induced animal model of rheumatoid
arthritis (RA) during the peak of the disease. A single dose of the
protein DM-99 administered at the first signs of RA symptoms
delayed the onset and severity of the disease. Furthermore,
treatment given every forth day appears to have halted the
autoimmune attack altogether.
"We believe that DM-99 is able to activate or increase the
number of regulatory T cells (Tregs), which plays a vital role in
suppressing the autoimmune attack in a wide range of autoimmune
diseases," commented Dr. Mark Williams, DiaMedica's Vice President
Research.
In a delayed hypersensitivity model, skin inflammation was
reduced by 67% (p less than 0.05) and could be prevented for up to
14 days following a single administration of DM-99. DM-99 also
delayed skin graft rejection by several days (p less than
0.05).
"Based on the ability of DM-99 to modulate the autoimmune attack
in several autoimmune diseases, we will be starting a study shortly
to determine if our more active form of DM-99, DM-199, can halt or
slow the autoimmune attack in type I diabetes. DM-199, may be the
only compound that both proliferates beta cells and protects them
against the autoimmune attack in type I diabetes," stated Rick
Pauls, President and CEO of DiaMedica.
About DiaMedica
DiaMedica is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing
novel treatments for diabetes and neurological disorders. The
Company's type 2 diabetes program is based on a critical liver
nerve signaling mechanism involved in enhancing insulin sensitivity
after meal consumption. Two of DiaMedica's products, DM-71 and
DM-99, have previously demonstrated human efficacy in lowering
blood sugar levels in people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes based
on this novel nerve signaling mechanism.
DiaMedica has expanded its DM-199 recombinant protein program
into neurological and autoimmune disorders. The Company has
demonstrated that DM-99, the naturally occurring form of DM-199,
confers neural protection (protects brain cells) and triggers
neural stem cell proliferation (creates brain cells) for the
treatment of numerous neurological disorders including Alzheimer's
disease. DiaMedica is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the
trading symbol "DMA".
Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information
Certain statements contained in this press release constitute
forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable
Canadian provincial securities legislation (collectively, the
"forward-looking statements"). These forward-looking statements
relate to, among other things, DiaMedica's objectives, goals,
targets, strategies, intentions, plans, beliefs, estimates and
outlook, and can, in some cases, be identified by the use of words
such as "believe," "anticipate," "expect," "intend," "plan,"
"will," "may" and other similar expressions. In addition, any
statements that refer to expectations, projections or other
characterizations of future events or circumstances are
forward-looking statements. Specifically, this press release
contains forward-looking statements regarding matters such as, but
not limited to, the anticipated use of proceeds from the Offering,
management's assessment of DiaMedica's future plans, information
with respect to the advancement of DiaMedica's research and
development programs, and DiaMedica's other estimates and
expectations. These statements reflect management's current beliefs
and are based on information currently available to management.
Certain material factors or assumptions are applied in making
forward-looking statements, and actual results may differ
materially from those expressed or implied in such statements.
Important factors that could cause actual results to differ
materially from these expectations include, among other things:
uncertainties and risks related to our research and development
programs, the availability of additional financing, risks and
uncertainties relating to the anticipated use of proceeds, changes
in debt and equity markets, uncertainties related to clinical
trials and product development, rapid technological change,
uncertainties related to forecasts, competition, potential product
liability, additional financing requirements and access to capital,
unproven markets, the cost and supply of raw materials, management
of growth, effects of insurers' willingness to pay for products,
risks related to regulatory matters and risks related to
intellectual property matters.
Additional information about these factors and about the
material factors or assumptions underlying such forward-looking
statements may be found in the body of this news release, as well
as under the heading "Risk Factors" contained in DiaMedica's 2009
annual information form. DiaMedica cautions that the foregoing list
of important factors that may affect future results is not
exhaustive. When relying on DiaMedica's forward-looking statements
to make decisions with respect to DiaMedica, investors and others
should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other
uncertainties and potential events. Such forward-looking statements
are based on a number of estimates and assumptions, which may prove
to be incorrect, including, but not limited to, assumptions
regarding the availability of additional financing for research and
development companies, and general business and economic
conditions. These risks and uncertainties should be considered
carefully and investors and others should not place undue reliance
on the forward-looking statements. Although the forward-looking
statements contained in this press release are based upon what
management believes to be reasonable assumptions, DiaMedica cannot
provide assurance that actual results will be consistent with these
forward-looking statements. DiaMedica undertakes no obligation to
update or revise any forward-looking statement. Additional risk
factors, factors which could cause actual results to differ
materially from expectations, and assumptions relating specifically
to our acquisition of Sanomune may be found in our press releases
dated February 18, 2010 and April 20, 2010.
Contacts: DiaMedica Inc. Kevin Richardson, Ph.D 204.478.5605
204.453.3745 (FAX) krichardson@diamedica.com
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