Understanding Radiation Proctitis: New Approach Addresses the Needs of Ovarian, Colon and Prostate Cancer Patients

NEW YORK, NY --(Marketwired - April 29, 2015) - The following is a statement issued by Expert Jeffrey Davis, COO, PlasmaTech Biopharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: PTBI): Radiation Proctitis ("RP") is a term used to describe the inflammation and damage to the lower portion of the colon following exposure to x-rays or ionizing radiation as part of radiation therapy. It is most common after treatments for cancer in the pelvic regions, such as cervical, colon and prostate cancer. Rectal mucositis, a broader condition, may be caused by bacterial or viral infections, parasites, food or contact allergies, and surgery.

As it pertains to radiation proctitis, there is an acute and a chronic form. The acute RP will present itself within the first few weeks after therapy. Symptoms include diarrhea, the urgent need to defecate, and pain. The acute phase of RP is due to direct damage to the lining of the colon. The chronic RP can begin several months, or even years, after therapy, and is due to damage of the blood vessels that supply oxygen to the colon. The symptoms can be the same as acute RP, and can include rectal bleeding and intestinal blockage.

According the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health, there are over 250,000 new cases of prostate, cervical, rectal, colon, testicular, bladder and endometrial cancer diagnosed annually in the US. It is estimated that roughly 50% of these patients will require radiation therapy to the pelvic region, and roughly 75% of patients undergoing pelvic irradiation will experience radiation proctitis, or rectal mucositis. The size of the US market if over 100,000 potential patients annually. Yet, there are few, if any, good treatment options for this debilitating side effect.

PlasmaTech Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. (#PTBI) has an approved product in the oral mucositis market called MuGard, for which there have been multiple clinical trials completed that have shown its clinical benefits in the oral cavity. At the suggestion of oncologists with MuGard experience, the Company produced a complementary version of its product for radiation proctitis, and rectal mucositis, and filed for marketing clearance with the FDA in early 2014. In July 2014, a short 90 days from filing of the application, ProctiGard received marketing clearance from the FDA for the management of symptoms related to rectal mucositis. The Company believes that ProctiGard is an important treatment option in the arsenal of radiation oncologists for the management of this very debilitating side effect of radiation treatment. 

Jeffrey Davis, PlasmaTech's COO, explains the following Radiation Proctitis questions here: https://vimeo.com/126299292

• What is radiation proctitis ("RP")?
• How many patients does this effect?
• How is this condition different from oral mucositis?
• What are the current treatment options?
• What is ProctiGard, and what is your commercialization strategy?

About PlasmaTech Biopharmaceuticals, Inc.: 

PlasmaTech Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. (PlasmaTech) is a biopharmaceutical company focused on advancing targeted treatments for significant unmet needs of critical patient care. Exploiting two distinct proprietary platforms, Salt Diafiltration (SDF™) Process and Polymer Hydrogel Technology (PHT™), PlasmaTech is active in the development and commercialization of plasma-derived therapeutics and cancer supportive care products. The company has developed a robust product pipeline that includes two commercial stage products, MuGard® and ProctiGard™ as well as multiple pre-clinical follow-on products. For more information visit, www.plasmatechbio.com.

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