http://finance.individual.com/display_news.asp?doc_id=CT2001254b6117&page=news
September 11, 2001 8:32am
NEW YORK, Sep 11, 2001 (BW HealthWire)
-- Atlantic Technology Ventures, Inc.'s (OTC: ATLC.OB) proprietary lead
compound CT-3 has shown anti-spastic activity in an animal model of multiple
sclerosis at a dose level achievable in humans.
CT-3, also identified as Ajulemic
Acid, is a non-psychoactive synthetic derivative of a metabolite of tertrahydrocannabinol
(THC) shown to have potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. The
study was conducted by Professor Dr. David Baker of the Institute of Neurology,
University College London, UK.
Spasticity is a common, painful sign
that develops during multiple sclerosis (MS) and following spinal cord
injury. Current therapy is often associated with dose-limiting adverse
side-effects. In the study, CT-3 induced a significant decrease in spasticity,
demonstrated a rapid inhibition of limb stiffness and the effect was relatively
long-lived. The data suggested that the dose of CT-3 tested exhibited near
maximal inhibition of spasticity. The results of the study validated spasticity
as a potential indication for CT-3 use. Compared to other cannabinoids
such as Tetrahydorcannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD) tested in the
same animal model (Nature, March 2000), CT-3 appeared to be 100 times more
potent in relieving the symptoms of tremor and spasticity.
"We are very excited about the excellent
results that CT-3 exhibited in this experimental model of multiple sclerosis",
said Michael Ferrari, Vice President of Business Development of Atlantic.
"The symptoms of tremor and spasticity in MS are very difficult to control.
The positive results from this study provide a rationale for the therapeutic
potential of CT-3 in the control of the symptoms of MS. As a result, we
are planning to proceed with Phase II clinical trials for this indication."
In related news regarding the therapeutic
use of cannabinoids, the world's largest clinical trial using the cannabis
plant to control the pain and tremors in MS patients is currently underway
at Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, UK. First announced in January 2001, this
clinical trial is scheduled to last up to two years, with a planned enrollment
of 660 patients across the United Kingdom.
In additional related news regarding
the therapeutic use of cannabinoids, a recent presentation at the British
Association for the Advancement of Science meeting in Glasgow, Scotland
reported that cannabis extract is proving remarkably effective at relieving
severe pain in patients with MS and spinal injury. (C. Cookson, "Cannabis
hailed as pain-reliever," Financial Times, FT.com, September 4, 2001).
In a year-long study of 23 patients, Dr. William Norcutt reported that
the use of a cannabis spray showed promising results at relieving severe
pain in patients with MS and spinal injury. The cannabis spray was developed
and supplied by GW Pharmaceuticals (London: GWP.L), a company that operates
under licenses from the British Home Office to grow cannabis for medical
purposes.
The Institute of Neurology is part
of the University College London (UCL) Campus. The Institute of Neurology
is an internationally recognized center for multiple sclerosis research
and has conducted many clinical trials and has a wide patient database.
The ethos of the Institute is to link basic and clinical scientists for
the benefit of neurological research. The Institute of Neurology is part
of the Medical Research Council funded study to examine medical cannibis
in symptom control. Should compounds prove therapeutically promising, the
Institute is in an ideal position to move the basic science studies forward
into Phase II trials in patients. The Institute is currently the only place
worldwide with an academic research interest in both experimental and clinical
control of spasticity.
About Atlantic Technology Ventures,
Inc.
Atlantic Technology Ventures, Inc.
is a publicly held venture capital company specializing in early-stage,
breakthrough technologies and rapidly incubating these through a definitive
proof-of-principle. Atlantic currently has investments in Catarex, a device
for cataract removal; CT-3, a synthetic derivative of marijuana for treating
pain and inflammation; and, superconducting electronics for telecommunications.
Cautionary statement under the "safe
harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995:
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements that relate
to future scientific, business and financial performance. These statements
are only predictions and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties
that may cause the actual events or results to differ from those discussed
or implied in these statements. These risks and uncertainties include competition
from other manufacturers of related technologies, the unavailability of
any necessary intellectual property rights possessed by third parties,
and certain of those risks described in Atlantic's most recent report on
Form 10-KSB with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
CONTACT: The Investor
Relations Group, New York
Copyright (C) 2001 Business Wire
Source: Business Wire
Shayne Payne / Dian Griesel, Ph.D., 212/825-3210