VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 7, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- The management of ProtoKinetix, Inc. (OTCBB:PKTX) has received their first report on the safety (toxicity) of the initial series of newly synthesized antifreeze glycoproteins ("AFGPs") from France's National Institute of Chemistry ("ICSN"). These in vitro assays performed on KB cells (used for toxicology testing) showed that the new chemical structures are totally lacking cytotoxicity even in very high doses.
Dr. John Todd, president and CEO of PKTX, states that "these results are extremely encouraging and will pave the way for the commercial applications of this family of molecules that were expected since the inception of this project." Natural AFGPs have been shown by many researchers to enable the preservation of cells and tissues for an extended period of time at low temperatures. PKTX's stable synthetic AFGPs have characteristics that will extend the shelf life of the following:
1. cell lines for biomedical research 2. biologically based vaccines 3. donor organs 4. blood products and platelets 5. cell cultures for testing and research 6. sensitive tissue lines
This confirmation of safety, in addition to the proven stability of the synthetic AFGPs, brings the company significantly closer to launching this family of molecules into the market place.
About ProtoKinetix:
ProtoKinetix Inc. is a scientific development company whose mission is the advancement of human health care. The Company's first entry into the commercial market place will be the launch of the first synthetically replicated antifreeze glycoprotein (AFGP). PKTX has developed a unique business model that brings together a vast pool of world recognized intellectual talent in a networked environment. This integrated scientific approach combines the disciplines of physics, chemistry and molecular biology in order to fast track product development.
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe harbor" for forward-looking statements. Some information included in this press release contains statements that are forward-looking. Such forward-looking information involves significant risks and uncertainties that could affect anticipated results in the future and, accordingly, these results may differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of the Company. For a description of additional risks and uncertainties, please refer to the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
On behalf of the Board of Directors,
Dr. John Todd, President