Theralase(R) demonstrates unique ability to activate Rutherrin(R) with diabetes drug

TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / August 21, 2024 / Theralase^® Technologies Inc. (“Theralase^®“ or the “Pursue”) (TSXV: TLT)(OTCQB: TLTFF), a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company dedicated to the research and development of light and/or radiation-activated small molecules to safely and effectively destroy various cancers, bacteria and viruses, is pleased to announce that its lead drug formulation, Rutherrin^® has been preclinically demonstrated to be activated by metformin, a common diabetes medication, without the use of light and/or radiation.

Even more interesting is that Rutherrin^® and metformin are both scientifically proven to cross the blood-brain barrier as well as tumor-specific blood barriers, this new discovery may enable the precise targeting of cancer cells by Rutherrin^® throughout the body, including the brain, followed by their synergistic activation by metformin.

Metformin, an antidiabetic drug, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1994 to treat type 2 diabetes (a disease caused by inadequate insulin production, resulting in high blood sugar). Metformin is currently the only antidiabetic drug prescribed for the prophylactic (disease prevention) treatment of prediabetes, as recommended by the American Diabetes Association.

To determine whether metformin has the ability to activate ruherrin^® for the production of reactive oxygen species (“ROS”), to destroy treatment-resistant non-small cell lung cancer (“Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)”) cells, NSCLC cells were treated with either rutherin^®Metformin or a combination of both for 24 hours.

As shown in Figure 1.0, Rutherrin^® increases ROS production on its own, without external stimuli, which leads to the death of cancer cells; however, this ROS production is significantly increased by the activation of ruherrin^® with metformin (p

Figure 1.0: Production of reactive oxygen species in rutherin-treated NSCLC cells^®Metformin or their combination

To further investigate the activation of ruherrin^® by metformin, an additional series of experiments was carried out in which the cells were treated with either ruherrin^®Metformin or both for 24 hours and then treated with radiation.

As shown in Figure 2.0, radiation-activated rutherrin^® increases ROS production (p® in combination with metformin (p

Figure 2.0: Production of reactive oxygen species in NSCLC cells treated with radiation-activated rutherin^®Metformin or their combination

Dr. Arkady Mandel, MD, Ph.D., D.Sc., Chief Scientific Officer of Theralase^® specified, “The ability to activate Rutherrin^®with commonly available drugs such as metformin, significantly expands the clinical applications of Rutherrin^®in the destruction of various types of cancer. Rutherrin^®when activated by light and/or radiation, leads to the production of ROS, which is one of the main mechanisms of action in the destruction of cancer by the compound. Synergistic activation of Rutherrin^®the use of a drug such as metformin, with or without radiation exposure, opens up a wide range of beneficial opportunities for physicians to treat patients outside of the operating room. In addition, this latest research supports a whole new line of research; specifically, the identification of additional drugs as potential synergistic candidates to activate ruherrin^® in destroying various types of cancer.”

Roger DuMoulin-White, B.Sc., P.Eng., Pro.Dir., President and Chief Executive Officer of Theralase^® specified, “The activation of Rutherrin^® of metformin is a turning point in the clinical application of Rutherrin^®. By activating without light and/or radiation, this treatment can be significantly expanded so that it can be performed on an outpatient basis or even at home. Traditionally, Rutherrin uses^®must be activated by laser light and/or radiation, but it is now believed that Rutherrin^® can be administered to the body via infusion, followed by activation with metformin taken orally. This can be done virtually anywhere and can be accompanied by radiation treatments in the hospital if necessary, if the disease state requires it. Based on the latest research results, awaiting toxicological analysis of Rutherrin according to Good Laboratory Practices,^® and regulatory approval, Theralase^® plans to start therapeutically guided and/or Theralase treatments^®-led clinical trials to eradicate various types of cancer. The clear advantage is that light and/or radiation devices are no longer required and the procedure can be performed outside the hospital or expensive operating room, significantly reducing the cost of treatment and the burden on elderly patients with limited mobility. We look forward to commercializing this technology and its ease of use for the benefit of all patients affected by this terrible disease.”

About Theralase^® Technologies Inc.:

Theralase^® is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company specializing in the research and development of light-, radiation- and drug-activated compounds, their associated drug formulations and the light systems that activate them, with the primary goal of efficacy and the secondary goal of safety in destroying various cancers, bacteria and viruses.

For more information, see www.theralase.com And www.sedar.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-looking statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements (“FLS”) within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company’s planned development plans with respect to small molecules and their drug formulations. FLS may be interested in the use of the words “May“should”, “will”, “expected”, “believes”, “Plans”, “expected”, “treasure”, “Potential for” and similar expressions; including statements regarding management’s current expectations regarding the future research, development and commercialization of the Company’s small molecules and their drug formulations; including: preclinical research, clinical trials and development, and regulatory approvals.

These statements involve significant risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including whether the Company will be able to: raise sufficient funds and obtain the necessary regulatory approvals to complete preclinical and clinical trials on a timely basis and implement its development plan; successfully commercialize its drug formulations; raise sufficient capital to fund the Company's operations, which may not be available on terms commercially favorable to the Company or at all; provide preclinical and clinical support to ensure that the Company's drug formulations are effective against the conditions tested in its preclinical and clinical trials; meet the term of license agreements with third parties so as not to lose the right to use important intellectual property in its business; protect its intellectual property and the timing and success of such intellectual property and achieve acceptance and approval of regulatory filings. Many of these factors that will determine actual results are beyond the Company's control or ability to predict.

Readers should not place undue reliance on these FLS as they are not guarantees of future performance. There is no guarantee that FLS will be successfully implemented and, therefore, FLS involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or future events to differ materially from the FLS.

Although the FLS contained in the press release are based on assumptions that management currently believes to be reasonable, the Company can give no assurance to potential investors that actual results, performance or achievements will be consistent with these FLS.

All FLS are made as of the date hereof and are subject to change. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update such statements.

For more information:
1.866.DER.LASE (843.5273)
416.699.LASE (5273)
www.theralase.com

Kristina Hachey, CPA
Chief Financial Officer
[email protected]
416.699.LASE (5273) x 224

SOURCE: Theralase Technologies, Inc.

View original Press release on accesswire.com