Nortran Pre-Clinical Antiarrhythmic Data Presented.Business Editors VANCOUVER, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 10, 2000 Nortran Pharma(CDNX CDNX See Canadian Venture Exchange (CDNX). :NRT NRT Nicotine Replacement Therapy NRT Norm-Referenced Test NRT near real time NRT Non-Real-Time NRT National Response Team NRT Tokyo, Japan - Narita (Airport Code) NRT Net Registered Tonnage ) (OTC Bulletin Board OTC Bulletin Board An electronic quotation listing of the bid and asked prices of OTC stocks that do not meet the requirements to be listed on the NASDAQ stock-listing system. :NTRDF) Nortran Pharmaceuticals today announced that studies have been presented at a leading pharmacology conference showing the ability of Nortran's compounds to block cardiac potassium channels. This feature of Nortran's anti-arrhythmic drug candidates helps ensure that Nortran's drugs are not only effective but also safe. The data confirms primate tests showing that Nortran's drug candidates are strongly atria-selective. The data were presented at the Western Pharmacology Society annual meeting in Tuscon, Arizona on Jan. 25, 2000 by Nortran senior scientist Sandro Yong. The data showed that all four Nortran drugs tested showed significant block of the potassium channels that are most important in the atria Atria The heart has four chambers. The right and left atria are at the top of the heart and receive returning blood from the veins. The right and left ventricles are at the bottom of the heart and act as the body's main pumps. of the heart. This specific ion channel ion channel n. See channel. blockade contributes significantly to the ability of Nortran's drug candidates to safely prevent or treat atrial arrhythmia. Cardiac arrhythmia is an irregular pattern of heartbeats which in extreme cases prevents the heart from pumping. Such arrhythmia arrhythmia (ārĭth`mēə), disturbance in the rate or rhythm of the heartbeat. Various arrhythmias can be symptoms of serious heart disorders; however, they are usually of no medical significance except in the presence of is a major cause of mortality in the developed world, accounting for up to 8% of all deaths. Atrial arrhythmia is the most common form, and is a major cause of both stroke and congestive heart failure congestive heart failure, inability of the heart to expel sufficient blood to keep pace with the metabolic demands of the body. In the healthy individual the heart can tolerate large increases of workload for a considerable length of time. . Current anti-arrhythmic drugs have side effects that are often fatal. Identifying safe and effective anti-arrhythmic drugs is therefore a critical priority in the treatment of heart disease. &uot;Nortran's progress in creating such safe and effective anti-arrhythmic drugs has also been reflected in collaborative research agreements with AstraZeneca and Aventis Pharma.&uot; said Dr. Greg Beatch, Vice -President of Research. &uot;Both companies are testing Nortran's drugs with an interest in licensing the drugs, and these studies are now close to completion.&uot; The two collaborative partners are among the world's largest pharmaceutical companies. In other company developments, Nortran's cough compound, CP1 is scheduled to commence Phase II clinical trials in the first quarter. This study is taking place under the supervision of Inveresk Research Inc., one of the world's leading clinical research organizations. Final preparations are being made with the Royal Brompton Hospital The Royal Brompton Hospital, commonly known as The Brompton, is a specialist heart and lung hospital in Brompton, London. It is part of the Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Trust. It is also the main hospital for allergy testing in London. in London, (UK) for dosing patients with chronic idiopathic cough - prolonged high sensitivity to cough stimulus. Nortran also is actively developing its pro-erectile project, under the direction of Dr. Paul Doherty, recently appointed as project director. An internal program is underway to confirm the mechanism of action of the drug and to test alternative development candidates. As well, partnering discussions continue to be pursued with several potential candidates. Nortran Pharmaceuticals Ltd. is a commercially focused drug discovery company. Using pathology targeted small molecules, Nortran is developing drugs for treatment of serious medical conditions affecting large numbers of people. Current Nortran drugs in development target life-threatening arrhythmias of the heart and intractable cough. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD, &uot;Bob Rieder&uot;, President &Chief Executive Officer WARNING: THE COMPANY RELIES ON LITIGATION An action brought in court to enforce a particular right. The act or process of bringing a lawsuit in and of itself; a judicial contest; any dispute. When a person begins a civil lawsuit, the person enters into a process called litigation. PROTECTION FOR &uot;FORWARD-LOOKING&uot; STATEMENTS. THE CANADIAN VENTURE EXCHANGE The Canadian Venture Exchange (CDNX) is now a defunct stock exchange having been acquired by the TSX Group in 2001 and renamed the TSX Venture Exchange. History of the Canadian Venture Exchange (CDNX) HAS NOT REVIEWED AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS NEWS RELEASE |
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