London, Ontario (October 20, 2011): Critical Outcome Technologies Inc. (COTI) (TSX Venture: COT) announced today the final results of recent pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics experiments demonstrating clear evidence of COTI-2's ability to significantly inhibit the growth of cancer cells that over express AKT/AKT2, confirming it as a promising targeted therapy candidate.
Detailed analysis of the new data confirmed that treatment with COTI-2 produced the expected changes in important proteins including GSK3β and caspase-9 that are known to be direct phosphorylation targets for AKT/AKT2. Importantly, COTI-2 produced increased levels of activated caspase-9 which promotes apoptosis (cell suicide) in susceptible cancer cells. Moreover, the available single dose pharmacokinetic (PK) data from this study indicated that once-daily oral therapy with COTI-2 may be optimal. The detailed results will be highlighted during a podium presentation at an upcoming high profile scientific conference.
“These final results and their implications represent a significant milestone in the development of COTI-2,” said Dr. Wayne Danter, COTI’s Chief Executive Officer. “They strengthen our prior research, provide new insights into a specific mechanism of action and support a first-in-class distinction for this promising anti-cancer drug candidate. We have also established that COTI-2 is both highly selective and well tolerated. These results, in combination with the recently announced U.S. patent, continue to strengthen our position as we move towards its out-licensing and a pivotal commercial validation of our CHEMSAS® platform.”
In summary, COTI-2 is an orally effective and selective allosteric modulator/inhibitor of AKT/AKT2 with a good PK profile and low toxicity. This new data in addition to previously generated results position it well for further development, including a phase 1 clinical trial.
This final data is from the first of three key studies related to the continued development of COTI-2 and is important to licensing partners as it provides specific insight into clinical development strategies for COTI-2. COTI will present this scientific data in detail at the upcoming scientific conference, Discovery on Target: Emerging Targets for the Kinase Inhibitor Pipeline held on November 2-4, 2011 in Boston, MA and will also be sharing it with prospective licensing partners at BIO Europe taking place in Dusseldorf, Germany, October 30 - November 2, 2011.
COTI-2’s specific cellular targeting, low toxicity, and proven efficacy support a potentially dramatic change in the treatment of cancers that over express AKT/AKT2. Over expression of AKT/AKT2 is common in a broad range of human cancers, including ovarian, endometrial, pancreatic, breast, colorectal and lung. The percent of tumors producing excess active AKT/AKT2 ranges from 20% to 100% depending on the cancer type.
Notice to Readers
Information provided in this press release may contain certain statements which constitute “forwardlooking statements” within the meaning of the Securities Act (Ontario) and applicable securities laws. For example, the statement “as we move towards its out-licensing” is a forward-looking statement. This statement conveys the Company’s efforts to secure a licensing deal, but COTI is not in a position at this time to determine when and if a deal with be finalized. Forward-looking statements, by their nature, are not guarantees of future performance and are based upon management’s current expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions. Risks that could impact on these forward-looking statements are outlined in the Company’s annual information form. Management of COTI considers the assumptions on which these forward?looking statements are based to be reasonable, but as a result of the many risk factors, cautions the reader that actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements.
About Critical Outcome Technologies Inc. (COTI)
COTI is a leading-edge company specializing in accelerating the discovery of small molecules thus enabling these new drugs to be brought to market in a more cost effective, efficient and timely manner. COTI’S proprietary artificial intelligence system, CHEMSAS®, utilizes a series of predictive computer models to identify compounds most likely to be successfully incorporated in disease-specific drug discovery, as well as subsequent optimization and preclinical development. These compounds are targeted for a variety of diseases, particularly those for which current treatments are either lacking or ineffective.
For more information, visit www.criticaloutcome.com or contact:
Michael Barr
Vice President of Business Development and Marketing
519-858-5157
mbarr@criticaloutcome.com
