Vascana Findings to be Presented at
International Scleroderma Conference
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:
Emily Zshornack-Topacio, MediQuest, Phone: 425-398-9580;
E-mail: emily@mqti.com
Robert Gara, APCO Worldwide, Phone: 206-239-0111; E-mail:
rgara@apcoworldwide.com
BOTHELL, WA – MediQuest Therapeutics, Inc., a
specialty pharmaceutical company focused on developing
therapies for inflammatory and infectious diseases,
will have trial results of its lead therapy, Vascana,
presented at the 2007 International Workshop on Scleroderma.
The presentation is May 19 in Tokyo, Japan.
Most people with scleroderma—a chronic disease
causing thickening or tightening of the skin, blood
vessels and internal organs—also suffer from Raynaud’s
syndrome as a secondary condition. Vascana aims to treat
Raynaud’s disease, a condition often resulting
in severe pain caused by chronic vasospasm episodes
in the hands, feet and other extremities.
“With such a close relationship between the two
diseases, Vascana may offer Scleroderma patients relief
from the symptoms of Raynaud’s and dramatically
improve their lifestyles,” said MediQuest President
and CEO Dr. Frederick Dechow. “Our clinical trials
have shown that for some patients, Vascana is effective
in suppressing symptoms of the disease with minimal
to no side-effects.”
The Vascana presentation will focus on its phase III
clinical trial results and on MediQuest’s proprietary
Topical Amphi-Matrix (TAM) drug delivery system. With
the TAM technology, Raynaud’s patients will be
able to apply a non-systemic, topical formulation at
the affected area to deliver relief. If approved, Vascana
will be the first drug on the market specifically designed
to prevent and treat Raynaud’s symptoms, providing
clinicians with a treatment for patients.
“This workshop is not only a great opportunity
to showcase Vascana and MediQuest’s progress in
an international arena, but also to engage with the
Scleroderma community and help meet their patient treatment
needs,” Dechow said.
Last November, at the annual American College of Rheumatology
conference in Washington, D.C., MediQuest announced
its Phase IIIa clinical trial results for Vascana.
The study concluded that Vascana:
- Rapidly increases blood flow;
- Is well tolerated in patients with Raynaud's Disease
with minimal to no side effects; and
- May have clinical benefits in patients suffering
from Raynaud's Disease.
In addition to Vascana, MediQuest’s ongoing
developmental efforts have generated a robust pipeline
that includes three drug candidates in clinical trials,
one at the pre-clinical stage and others at the research
stage. The company develops first- and best-in-class
topical therapies to treat patients suffering from inflammatory
and infectious diseases.
About MediQuest Therapeutics, Inc.
MediQuest Therapeutics is a specialty pharmaceutical
company using its proprietary topical delivery system
in late-stage clinical trials targeting infectious and
inflammatory skin diseases and conditions. The Company’s
major efforts are focused on projects targeting Raynaud’s
phenomenon, nail psoriasis and actinic keratosis.
In addition to historical facts or statements of current
condition, this press release contains forward-looking
statements within the meaning of the ‘Safe Harbor’
provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements provide the
Company’s current expectation or forecasts of
future events. MediQuest’s performance and financial
results could differ materially from those reflected
in these forward-looking statements due to the decisions
of regulatory authorities, ability to implement its
commercial plans, general financial, economic, regulatory
and political conditions affecting the biotechnology
and pharmaceutical industries generally. For a discussion
of these and other risks and uncertainties that may
affect the forward-looking statements please contact
the Company. Given these risks and uncertainties, any
or all of these forward-looking statements may prove
to be incorrect. MediQuest undertakes no obligation
to update publicly any forward-looking statement.
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