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Vicor Technologies Zeros in on Anti-Stroke Molecule
BOCA RATON, FLORIDA — January 10, 2002 — VICOR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.'s scientists now know that the active ingredient is a protein. From October through December, Vicor has made molecular cuts of our proprietary fraction (D2) and is currently testing them in the mouse model of stroke. By the end of January we man know the identity of the anti-stroke molecule, and then immediately submit the patent application. At the same time, we will also apply for an IND number.
Also achieved recently are the results of the effects of dialyzing the D2 material in urea to knock the proteins off of their carriers and to remove the peptides by membrane filtration.
Also we have completed the time-of-injection of D2 (5 mg/kg, IV) experiments and the results are shown in the figure below (Figure 13 of the patent application). It is clear that our molecule can be given up to 6 hours after the beginning of the 1-hr of middle cerebral artery occlusion and still have a significant affect on tissue-savings (20% to 40% reduction of infarction size). This makes our potential drug have a more certain future for treating stroke patients.
Figure above: Effect of time-of-injection of D2 on cerebral infarction size in the mouse model of middle cerebral artery occlusion. Pre-treatment with D2 at 2-Hrs prior to the 1-Hr of middle cerebral occlusion resulted in no to minimal infarction (verticle bars – SD). Progressively longer times of injection resulted in progressively larger infarction sizes, but the effect was non-linear. Treating D2 by dialysis in 8M-rea to dislodge the proteins from the albumin carrier and with a membrane cutoff of 10kDa to remove the peptides resulted in a significantly improved effect on the infarction size with injection at 1-Hr.
Our plans for the next 90 days are to complete the fast-track identification of the anti-stroke molecule, and get it patented. This identification may take us an additional month if the fast-track method does not work. Then we will begin the parallel tracks for identifying the molecules for their salutary affects on cancer, heart attack, kidney failure, and liver toxicity. These parallel tracks should be up and running by April, 2002.
In summary, we believe Vicor's proprietary science is well on its way to identification and applicable patents. Each molecule that is identified with a specific physiology could represent an enormous new drug market. Vicor's “science” has moved much more rapidly than anticipated, as we now plan to have our first molecule to market by Spring, 2002. In the interim, once the first molecule is identified, the value of the Company will increase substantially. This could happen within the month!
Vicor's management team is currently arranging plans to hold the Stockholder/Advisory Board meeting in Spring of 2002. We will provide you with all of the pertinent information next month.
In closing, we would like to wish you all a very happy new year and we look forward to meeting with you this Spring.
Certain statements contained herein are "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Because such statements include risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Vicor Technologies, Inc., prepared this Update and is solely responsible for its content.