DiaMedica Announces Positive Results from a Hypertension Study With Its GSK3B-Blocking Antibody
March 02 2011 - 9:31AM
Marketwired
DiaMedica (TSX VENTURE: DMA) today announces antihypertensive
results with its lead monoclonal antibody DM-204. Consistent and
significant blood pressure lowering results are observed with
DM-204 in all animals and the lower blood pressure occurred for the
duration of the study performed.
In a preclinical study conducted by Physiogenix Inc. (Madison,
WI), DiaMedica's DM-204 has been shown to significantly and durably
lower systolic blood pressure in all animals by an average of 15 mm
Hg (p less than 0.05) over the duration of the study. These
findings have important implications for commercial prospects of
DM-204 for treating hypertension (high blood pressure). DM-204
blocks the activity of glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3B), a
key cell signaling enzyme linked to several diseases including
diabetes and certain cancers.
Hypertension affects nearly one third of adult Americans and is
a leading risk factor for early cardiovascular disease and stroke.
Hypertensive patients are adequately controlling their blood
pressure in only 20% of cases with currently available medicines.
Multiple antihypertensive medications are often required to treat
patients with high blood pressure. Moreover, approximately 70% of
Type 2 diabetes patients suffer from high blood pressure. As a
result, an anti-hypertensive therapy that simultaneously improves
the diabetic condition is expected to have greatly enhanced
commercial prospects.
"If the significant lowering of systolic blood pressure observed
in the pre-clinical study is emulated clinically, then DM-204 has
the potential to replace the current standard of care for treating
hypertension patients. The current standard of care typically
consists of a daily administration of two or more drugs compared
with our single compound, which could potentially be administered
as infrequently as once a month," stated Rick Pauls, President and
CEO of DiaMedica. "Results of the present study further demonstrate
the exceptional potential of DM-204 that is also being tested for
diabetes and other indications".
About Hypertension
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a chronic medical
condition in which blood pressure is elevated to 140 mm Hg or
greater systolic or 90 mm Hg or greater diastolic blood pressure.
Approximately 75 million Americans and close to one billion people
worldwide are affected by hypertension. Adults of all ages and
backgrounds can develop hypertension including 70% of patients with
Type 2 diabetes. According to The American Heart Association
estimates, the direct and indirect expenses associated with
hypertension cost the health care system more than $73 billion in
2009.
About DiaMedica Inc.
DiaMedica is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing
novel therapeutic products that could dramatically improve the
lives of people with Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes and other
large unmet diseases. DiaMedica's lead drug DM-199 has been shown
to significantly improve glucose metabolism and protect and
proliferate beta cells.
The Company is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange Venture
under the trading symbol "DMA".
For additional information please visit the Companies website:
www.diamedica.com.
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. Rick Pauls President & CEO
204.477.7590 204.453.3745 (FAX) rpauls@diamedica.com
www.diamedica.com
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