Vienna, 12 March 2007  - Sanochemia Pharmazeutika AG, a specialty pharmaceuticals company based in Austria, recently presented the latest results obtained from its range of promising R&D projects at the BIO-Europe event in Milan. Particular interest was expressed in its innovative in-house developments such as liposomal galantamine, for use in the treatment of neuropathic pain, and PVP hypericin as the basis of a bladder cancer diagnostic and therapeutic. Both projects are currently in advanced clinical stages and were presented for the first time supported by the latest data from clinical trials.

The positive results obtained on the clinical efficacy of liposomal galantamine are seen as a major milestone in the development of this product candidate. This novel gel-based formulation of galantamine will be used as a local therapeutic. This initial clinical pilot study aimed to determine tolerance levels and test the therapeutic concept of this patented formulation. The results suggest that liposomal galantamine can remedy neuropathic pain effectively and represents an encouraging basis for a successful future treatment.

The development of the new substance PVP hypericin, initially for use as a diagnostic and subsequently as a treatment for bladder cancer, continues at full speed. PVP hypericin is a patented photo-active substance with favourable characteristics compared to other substances in this indication. Sanochemia is currently making the final preparations for a broad-based Phase II clinical trial intended as the foundation for a regulatory filing. The development of this novel diagnostic will potentially bring a breakthrough in the early diagnosis of the world’s third most common form of cancer. 

Dr. Josef Böckmann, CEO of Sanochemia, remarked in his address to the auditorium: “We are delighted with the feedback we have received – all of which indicates a high level of interest in both of these key projects. Our commitment and investments in R&D have enabled us to advance both of these promising developments successfully through clinical development in a short space of time. This clearly underlines our competence in the development of innovative therapeutics.”  

Sanochemia took advantage of the conference to make contact with a number of potential buyers of the licensing rights. The search for cooperation partners is often the key to successfully developing a product towards its launch. For this reason, the company will also be taking part at a series of major conferences in Japan, Germany, Italy and the USA in the course of the calendar year.

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Held for the first time in Italy, BIO-Europe is Europe’s largest biotech-partnering conference, and one at which leading biotech and pharmaceutical players discussed the latest trends and scientific developments. More than 1,100 managers from all over the world met at numerous events, workshops and plenary meetings to exchange business ideas and proposals.

Sanochemia Pharmazeutika AG, the Specialty Pharma Company, has elected to specialise in the development and manufacture of innovative drugs. The company’s focus lies on indications with high therapeutic demands such as neuro-degeneration, pain and oncology.

For more details about Sanochemia visit the company’s website at www.sanochemia.at or contact:

 

Margarita Hoch 

Investor Relations
Tel.: + 43 / 1 / 3191456 - 335
Mobile: + 43 (0) 664 / 21 38 152 
mailto: m.hoch(at)sanochemia.at