PEPTIDE RESULTS EXTEND PLATFORM TECHNOLOGY

Phosphagenics Limited ("Phosphagenics") (ASX code: POH; AIM code: PSG) is pleased to announce results of a preclinical trial in which its patented drug delivery system, TPM-01, successfully delivered the bio-active fragment (1-34) of human Parathyroid hormone through the skin.

Parathyroid hormone is a naturally occurring polypeptide gaining widespread recognition in the treatment of osteoporosis. Current treatment involves daily injection with the hormone.

Dr Esra Ogru, Phosphagenics’ Vice President of Research & Development said that this new product opportunity represented a valuable addition to Phosphagenics’ product pipeline and was an important step in the development of a comprehensive transdermal platform technology.

"Peptides are a very important class of pharmaceutical compounds – insulin and growth hormone are two other well known examples – that currently must be delivered by injection. We are confident that our technology will effectively deliver numerous peptides safely and painlessly through the skin."

"We intend to continue further development of transdermal delivery of Parathyroid hormone and begin trials on the delivery of insulin and other peptides using our technology".

"Phosphagenics had previously demonstrated that its technology was capable of delivering a wide range of pharmaceutical compounds, including morphine, testosterone, oestrogen and atropine through the skin. Parathyroid hormone was the first peptide that we had tested so we were pleased with its success."

"Clearly, our platform technology has widespread application for the safe, painless and effective delivery of many differing pharmaceutical compounds to patients" said Dr Ogru.

A leading expert on osteoporosis, Professor Ego Seeman, from the Austin and Repatriation Medical Centre, University of Melbourne and medical advisor to Phosphagenics said the Company’s animal trial results represented a significant breakthrough as this agent has been shown to partly restore the structure of the skeleton and reduce the risk of fractures.

“Osteoporosis, or fragile bone, is a major public health threat. It is estimated that more than 40 million people in North America, Europe, Japan and Australia are affected. About 40 per cent of women and 20 per cent of men in these regions will suffer a fracture related to osteoporosis in their lifetime.”

“Currently, Parathyroid hormone treatment must be delivered by injection once a day using a special injection device. There is a need for a second generation formulation such as a patch,” said Professor Seeman.

Phosphagenics has filed a new patent application to protect its latest discovery, bringing the total number of patents in its portfolio that have been filed or granted to 21.

For further information please contact:

Associate Professor Andrew Vizard
Telephone: +61 3 9605 5900