BOYNTON BEACH, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Dec. 19, 2005–Nutra Pharma Corp., (OTCBB:NPHC – News) a biotechnology holding company that owns rights to intellectual property related to the development of drugs for HIV and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) has announced that their continuing microarray studies have identified a new gene involved in the disease process of Multiple Sclerosis. Although the gene and some of its functions are already known, this is the first evidence of involvement with the disease state of MS. The research also provides evidence that RPI-78M modulates the expression of this gene in laboratory assays. RPI-78M is the lead drug candidate of Nutra Pharma’s holding, ReceptoPharm, Inc. and is being studied in preclinical assays for its efficacy in treating MS.
Eno Research and Development, Inc. (ERDI) was contracted by Nutra Pharma to analyze samples of immune cells and brain lesion material from MS patients, with and without the addition of RPI-78M. They measured the changes in gene expression that occurred with treatment. Statistical evaluation of the data revealed more than sixty genes with significant changes in expression as a result of exposure to RPI-78M. In analyzing the affected genes, at least thirty of them may have a specific role in the progression of the disease and symptoms of MS.
“While RPI-78M alters the regulation of genes known to be involved with MS, we are especially excited by the modulation of this gene previously unassociated with MS at all. Work to further characterize the involvement of this gene in the disease progression of MS is ongoing,” commented James Flowers, President and Chief Scientific Officer of Eno Research and Development, Inc. (ERDI). “The data from this study suggests that RPI-78M may aid the patient in reversing some of the damage caused by MS. It is notable that if these results were replicated in the patient population it may greatly reduce the severity of the disease,” he concluded.
There has been a great deal of interest surrounding research in Multiple Sclerosis therapies. There are currently four drugs on the market for the treatment of the disease. A fifth drug, Tysabri, was voluntarily pulled from the marketplace in February by the drug’s manufacturers, Biogen-Idec (Nasdaq: BIIB – News) and Elan (NYSE: ELN – News).
“We are working diligently with ERDI to bring this information to the scientific community,” commented Rik J Deitsch, Chief Executive Officer of Nutra Pharma. “We expect to present the data at related conferences and to seek publication of the finished work. We are also seeking to patent this gene as a potential new target for MS therapies. If we are successful, the patent may provide revenues through partnerships and licensing. These studies, when coupled with the positive results in the animal models, create substantial evidence of the drug’s effects against MS,” he added.
About Multiple Sclerosis: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system, the body’s principal defense against foreign substances such as bacteria, mistakenly attacks normal tissues of the central nervous system. It afflicts approximately 400,000 people in the United States and more than 2.5 million worldwide. Specifically, the disease results in damage to a fatty tissue called myelin that surrounds and protects nerve fibers, creating scarring (sclerosis) that interferes with the normal transmission of nerve impulses. This damage, in turn, leads to a variety of chronic and highly individual and unpredictable neurological symptoms, ranging from movement and balance problems to vision impairment. The disease is largely caused by activation of a specific subset of the patient’s own white blood cells, T-cells that then attack the myelin and are largely responsible for disease progression.
About Nutra Pharma Corp.
Nutra Pharma Corp. is a biopharmaceutical company specializing in the acquisition, licensing and commercialization of pharmaceutical products and technologies for the management of neurological disorders, cancer, autoimmune and infectious diseases. Nutra Pharma Corp. through its subsidiaries carries out basic drug discovery research and clinical development and also seeks strategic licensing partnerships to reduce the risks associated with the drug development process. The Company’s holding, ReceptoPharm, Inc, is developing technologies for the development of drugs for HIV and Multiple Sclerosis (“MS”). The Company’s other holding Infectech, Inc., is engaged in the research and development of diagnostic test kits designed to be used for the rapid identification of infectious diseases such as Tuberculosis (TB) and Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare (MAI). Nutra Pharma continues to identify and acquire intellectual property and companies in the biotechnology arena. http://www.nutrapharma.com
About ReceptoPharm, Inc.
ReceptoPharm is a bio-pharmaceutical company developing proprietary therapeutic proteins for the treatment of several chronic, life-threatening viral, auto-immune and neuro-degenerative disorders, specifically including Rabies, HIV, and Myasthenia gravis (MG). http://www.receptopharm.com
About Eno Research and Development, Inc.
Eno Research and Development, Inc. (ERDI) is a full-service contract research organization located in Hillsborough, North Carolina, near Research Triangle Park. ERDI offers a wide range of pre-clinical development services to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, animal health and nutraceutical companies. The scientific staff of ERDI possess expertise in biotechnology, pharmacology, tumor biology, synthetic and analytical chemistry, in silico modeling of drug interaction/binding and rational drug design, as well as microarray technology and bioinformatics. With this expertise, ERDI can offer services ranging from lead discovery through New Drug Applications. http://www.enoresearch.com
This press release contains forward-looking statements. The words or phrases “would be,” “will allow,” “intends to,” “will likely result,” “are expected to,” “will continue,” “is anticipated,” “estimate,” “project,” or similar expressions are intended to identify “forward-looking statements.” Actual results could differ materially from those projected in Nutra Pharma’s (“the Company”) business plan. The Company’s business is subject to various risks, which are discussed in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The information presented should not be construed as an indication in any way whatsoever of the value of the Company or its common stock. The Company’s filings may be accessed at the SEC’s Edgar system at www.sec.gov. Statements made herein are as of the date of this press release and should not be relied upon as of any subsequent date. The Company cautions readers not to place reliance on such statements. Unless otherwise required by applicable law, we do not undertake, and we specifically disclaim any obligation, to update any forward-looking statements to reflect occurrences, developments, unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statement.
