On April 5, 2024 Theralase Technologies Inc. ("Theralase" or the "Company") (TSXV: TLT) (OTCQB: TLTFF), a clinical stage pharmaceutical company dedicated to the research and development of light and/or radiation activated Photo Dynamic Compounds ("PDCs") for the safe and effective destruction of various cancers, bacteria and viruses, reported that it has been granted a Canadian patent for a new cancer vaccine (Press release, Theralase, APR 5, 2024, View Source [SID1234644093]).
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The recently issued patent is titled, "Vaccine Containing Cancer Cells Inactivated by Photodynamic Treatment with Metal-Based Coordination Complexes and Immunotherapy Method Using Same".
A US patent protecting the same technology was previously issued in October 2022. A European Union patent is currently pending.
The patent protects Theralase PDC technology in the treatment of a patient with a cancer vaccine; specifically, programmed to destroy their cancer.
This is fundamentally accomplished by obtaining a sample of their cancer and treating it extracorporeally with a Theralase PDC and then activating the PDC with either light or radiation. This inactivated cancer is then injected back into the patient intravenously, programming the patient’s immune system to recognize, attack and destroy the particular cancer of interest.
Theralase’s pipeline includes: a Phase II registration clinical study for bladder cancer expected to be completed in 2026, plans to launch a Phase Ib clinical study for both brain cancer and lung cancer in 2024, pending completion of a toxicology analysis, and now after the issuance of a Canadian and US patent on a cancer vaccine, the ability to treat various "liquid cancers"; such as leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma.
Dr. Arkady Mandel, MD, PhD, DSc, Chief Scientific Officer of Theralase, inventor of the patent stated, "The issuance of an additional patent for our cancer vaccine technology represents a significant opportunity for patients diagnosed with blood-related cancers, which are difficult, if not impossible, to treat. Our primary focus has been on the research and development of technology to destroy solid-core tumours, such as bladder, brain and lung cancers; however, this new patent allows the Company the opportunity to explore the treatment of various liquid cancers."
Roger DuMoulin-White, President and Chief Executive Officer of Theralase stated, "The possibilities and opportunities of our PDC technology continue to grow at a rapid pace. The Company plans to become properly financed this year through various equity and debt instruments to allow the Company the opportunity to commence new clinical studies focused on the destruction of both solid-core and liquid cancers. I am excited about the opportunities available to the Company, as a result of these new patents, as it significantly increases the opportunity for our PDC technology to treat patients inflicted with a wide range of cancers."
About Leukemia:
Leukemia is a cancer that starts in the stem cells of blood. As the stem cells of the blood develop, they become blast cells (blasts), which are immature blood cells. In leukemia, there is an overproduction of blast cells. These blast cells develop abnormally and don’t develop into mature blood cells. Over time, the blast cells crowd out normal blood cells so that they can’t do their jobs.
Leukemia is the 11th most common cancer in the United States. As of 2019, more than 470,000 Americans have a history of leukemia. It was estimated that about 60,000 people would be diagnosed with leukemia in 2022. The five-year relative survival rate of leukemia is 65.7%.
About Lymphoma:
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that occurs due to the malignant transformation of the lymphocytes (infection fighting cells of the immune system). The most common category of lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma ("NHL") is the 7th most common cancer in the United States. In 2024, the American Cancer Society’s estimates 80,620 people (44,590 males and 36,030 females) will be diagnosed with NHL. The five-year relative survival rate of lymphoma is 72%.
About Myeloma:
Myeloma, also known as multiple myeloma, is a type of blood cancer that develops from plasma cells in the bone marrow. Myeloma is the 14th most common type of cancer. In 2023, an estimated 35,730 adults in the United States will be diagnosed with multiple myeloma. The overall 5-year survival rate for people with multiple myeloma in the United States is 55%.
About RuvidarTM:
RuvidarTM is a peer-reviewed, patented PDC currently under investigation in a Phase II registration clinical study for bladder cancer.