EDMONTON, Jan. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Quest PharmaTech Inc. ("Quest" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has received clearance from the Therapeutic Products Directorate of Health Canada to initiate a Fifty Patient clinical trial to investigate the appropriate light dose to be used with the topical gel for cosmetic hair removal applications of its lead photodynamic therapy (PDT) compound SL017. The Principal Investigator for the trial is Dr. Robert Bissonnette, M.D., President of Innovaderm Research in Montreal. Innovaderm has already received necessary ethics committee approval to recruit patients for this trial. The trial is anticipated to be completed in six months.
Quest has already completed a Phase I study for the assessment of histological localization of SL017 Topical Gel in hair follicles. The Phase I study results demonstrated that the product is well tolerated with preferential localization of the drug in hair follicles. The current trial is designed to study the combination of SL017 Topical Gel with Intense Pulse Light for hair removal.
Permanent removal of unwanted hair remains a considerable therapeutic challenge. Over the past few years, new technologies have emerged for hair removal. One of them is photo-epilation. This technology is based on laser and other light sources emitting in red and/or near-infrared wavelength regions. Although these techniques have been shown to induce permanent hair reduction, a series of 4-8 sessions, and sometimes more, are required. In addition, this will only achieve a 75%-85% permanent hair reduction and the use of another technique, such as electrolysis is often necessary after the laser or Intense Pulse Light treatment. Another main limitation of light based hair removal is the inability to reduce the number of blond, red or white hairs. The use of SL017 that localizes in the hair follicle has the potential to overcome these limitations and enhance the effectiveness of photo-epilation.
Quest's strategy is to market SL017 to Asian and Canadian consumers as an "aid for hair removal with an approved light based depilatory system". The Company is in the process of registering SL017 as a cosmetic ingredient with International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredient. The Company is also developing an `over the counter' light delivery system that will expand the market potential of SL017. In September 2006, Quest reached an agreement with KMH Co., Ltd. of Korea to distribute SL017 in Asia for cosmetic hair removal. The Company is seeking strategic partners for SL017 for North America and Europe.
About Quest PharmaTech Inc.
The Corporation is a publicly traded (TSX Venture Exchange: QPT), Alberta-based drug development company committed to the development and commercialization of new pharmaceutical products. It is developing a series of products for the treatment of cancer and dermatological conditions based on its unique photodynamic and sonodynamic therapy platform.
Except for historical information, this press release may contain forward-looking statements, which reflect the Company's current expectation regarding future events. These forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainties, which may cause but are not limited to, changing market conditions, the successful and timely completion of clinical studies, the establishment of corporate alliances, the impact of competitive products and pricing, new product development, uncertainties related to the regulatory approval process and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's ongoing quarterly and annual reporting.
"TSX Venture Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved of the information contained herein."
Quest PharmaTech Inc.
