Independent Research Confirms Inactivation of Simian
Immunodeficiency Virus by LifeTECH's Sterinetics(TM) System
TORONTO, Dec. 12 1996 /CNW/ - LifeTECH Corporation announced today
that Dr. Fred Quimby, a leading researcher, has confirmed that
ozone-induced oxidative stress inactivates Simian Immunodeficiency
Virus (SIV) in human blood. Dr. Quimby's research provides
independent proof of concept that LifeTECH's technology sterilizes
human blood of viruses that cause illness and death in humans.
Walter J. Dermott, LifeTECH's President and CEO, summarized the
significance of this scientific validation: "Dr. Quimby's data has
verified the unique ability of ozone-induced oxidative stress to
kill viruses in human blood - efficiently, effectively, and
without damaging the blood. This proof of concept substantiates
the scientific basis for our technology, the Sterinetics System,
to become the premier global sterilization technology for blood
and blood products. It is particularly notable that Dr. Quimby
inactivated SIV, which is virtually identical to the Human
Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). We have now taken an important step
toward eliminating the risk of getting HIV and other deadly
diseases from the transfusion of blood and blood products."
Dr. Quimby is Professor of Pathology and Immunology at the New
York State College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University,
Ithaca, New York. The Canadian Department of National Defence
invited Dr. Quimby to participate in Canadian research into the
effects of ozone, since SIV causes an AIDS-like disease in monkeys
and other primates. In April 1996, LifeTECH announced that it
would continue to support Dr. Quimby's three-year DND study using
LifeTECH's prototype system. The results have shown that ozone-
induced oxidative stress inactivated SIV in a dose response manner
in red blood cells. Using LifeTECH's prototype, 5 logs/ml SIV was
inactivated and the results confirmed in tissue culture assays and
extremely sensitive p27 antigen assays.
Since April, LifeTECH's scientists have significantly advanced the
Sterinetics System to simultaneously inactivate both lipid and
non-lipid coated viruses. Through the development of unique viral
load inactivation models, the Sterinetics System has now achieved
more than 6 logs/ml inactivation of several key viruses in
intravenous immunoglobulin and red blood cells. Most recently,
ozone-induced inactivation of greater than 6 logs/ml of Bovine
Viral Diarrhea virus, a regulatory equivalent model for Hepatitis
C, was achieved in red blood cells. LifeTECH will continue to
refine its technology in preparation for regulatory approval of
its sterilization process for blood and blood products.
LifeTECH Corporation is a Canadian biotechnology company dedicated
to developing and commercializing innovative technologies to
sterilize blood and other biological fluids. LifeTECH's
Sterinetics System is designed to inactivate viruses and bacteria
in the global blood supply, including the HIV and Hepatitis
viruses. LifeTECH common shares (LFTK) and warrants (LFTK.WT)
trade on the Canadian Dealing Network.
From Canada Newswire