MARKHAM, Ontario, Jan. 17, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- AlphaRx Inc. (OTCBB:ALRX), an emerging biopharmaceutical company utilizing proprietary drug delivery technology to develop novel formulations of drugs, is pleased to report positive toxicology data for ALRX IM, the active ingredient in Binoxan(tm). ALRX IM is an Indomethacin Ester, which has shown comparable biological activity to standard Indomethacin formulations in animal studies, but is substantially less toxic and less irritating than the existing non-steroidal therapy. Furthermore, as ALRX IM is more soluble than Indomethacin, when incorporated into the Company's colloidal delivery platform, it may have increased permeability and correspondingly higher efficacy.
ALRX IM breaks down into Indomethacin and its ester in equal parts in vivo. Indomethacin has superior anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic properties and is normally administered in capsular form for the treatment of systemic inflammatory diseases (arthritis, muscle pain, tendinitis, etc). The sodium salt of Indomethacin may be injected intravenously or used for topically for treatment of inflammatory conditions of the eye.
About Binoxan(tm)
Binoxan(tm) is a topical, non-acidic, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pro-drug in a colloidal formulation, intended for the treatment of ocular inflammation, eye pain and photophobia. Based upon prescription data compiled by IMS Health, it is estimated that over 8.6 million prescriptions are written annually in U.S. for topical ophthalmic anti-inflammatory agents, with sales in excess of $400 M USD.
About AlphaRx Inc. (www.AlphaRx.com)
AlphaRx is an emerging biopharmaceutical company utilizing proprietary drug delivery technology to develop novel formulations of drugs that are insoluble or poorly soluble in water or have yet to be administrable to the human body with an acceptable delivery method. The Company's product candidates address various pharmaceutical markets, including arthritis, tuberculosis, ocular infection and inflammation, cataracts, hospital acquired pneumonia and sepsis.
Forward Looking Statements:
This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning and pursuant to the Safe Harbor provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and involve risks and uncertainties that may individually or mutually impact the matters herein described, including but not limited to product development and acceptance, manufacturing, competition, regulatory and/or other factors, which are outside the control of the Company.
This press release is available on the company's official on-line investor relations site for investor commentary and questions.