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Isotechnika Pharma appoints Dr. Jurgen Engel to Board of Directors

^{Published on 2009-08-13 08:27:26, Last Modified on 2009-08-13 08:27:35 - Market Wire}
 

 EDMONTON, Aug. 13 /CNW/ - Isotechnika Pharma Inc. (TSX:ISA) today announced that it has appointed Dr. Jurgen Engel to its Board of Directors. Dr. Engel is currently the President and CEO of AEterna Zentaris, where he has been since the acquisition of Zentaris in December 2002. A seasoned professional in the pharmaceutical industry, he brings extensive expertise in drug development and commercialization and partnership development. Prior to AEterna Zentaris he was CEO of Zentaris, a spin-off of ASTA Medica, AG, where he oversaw all Research and Development activities, supervised more than 700 scientists and clinical professionals, and successfully headed projects from drug discoveries to New Drug Applications. "Dr. Engel has a proven track record and extensive background in the pharmaceutical industry," stated Dr. Robert Foster, President & CEO of Isotechnika. "His wealth of experience will provide us with knowledgeable counsel and guidance as we put more focus on in-licensing to build our pipeline, while continuing to focus on the commercialization of voclosporin in the U.S., Europe and Asia." Dr. Engel earned a doctorate degree in organic chemistry from the Technical University of Braunschweig, as well as an academic degree in pharmaceutical science from the University of Regensburg, where he is also a professor. In 1995, he was recognized for his development of alkylphospholipids as a new class of anti-tumor agents by receiving the Galenus-von-Pergamon Prize, an award that honors innovators in novel medicines. About Isotechnika ----------------- Edmonton-based Isotechnika Pharma Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of novel immunosuppressive therapeutics that are designed to offer advantages over other currently available treatments. There is a significant unmet medical need in the treatment of both solid organ transplantation and autoimmune disease. It is estimated that the market potential will exceed $4 billion annually in sales for calcineurin inhibitors such as voclosporin by 2010. Voclosporin is a next generation calcineurin inhibitor, which completed a Phase 2b North American trial for the prevention of kidney rejection following transplantation. Extensions to the Phase 2b trial and a combined Phase 3 European/Canadian trial for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis have also been completed. Our partner, Lux BioSciences, Inc., has also completed three separate Phase 2/3 pivotal trials investigating voclosporin (referred to as LUVENIQ(TM) by Lux) for the treatment of uveitis. In addition to the uveitis trials, Lux BioSciences Inc. has also commenced a Phase 1 trial using their proprietary voclosporin ophthalmic solution (LX214) as a candidate for dry eye syndrome. Voclosporin has also entered First-in-Man trials as the drug utilized in the CINATRA(TM) Drug Coated Coronary Stent system developed by the Company's partner, Atrium Medical Corporation. Isotechnika Pharma Inc. is a publicly traded company on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "ISA". More information on Isotechnika Pharma can be found at [ www.isotechnika.com ] or [ www.SEDAR.com ]. Forward-Looking Statements -------------------------- This press release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements, including the Company's belief as to the potential of its products, the Company's expectations regarding the issuance of additional patents and the Company's ability to protect its intellectual property, involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those in the forward looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, the availability of funds and resources to pursue research and development projects, the ability to economically manufacture its products, the potential of its products, the success and timely completion of clinical studies and trials, the Company's ability to successfully commercialize its products, the ability of the Company to defend its intellectual property rights from infringement by third parties, and the risk that the Company's intellectual property rights may be subsequently shown to be invalid or infringe the patents of others. Investors should consult the Company's quarterly and annual filings with the Canadian commissions for additional information on risks and uncertainties relating to the forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned against placing undue reliance on forward-looking statements. %SEDAR: 00010508E 

For further information: Dr. Robert Foster, President & CEO, Isotechnika Pharma Inc., (780) 487-1600 (247), (780) 484-4105 (fax), [ rfoster@isotechnika.com ]; Mr. Dennis Bourgeault, Chief Financial Officer, Isotechnika Pharma Inc., (780) 487-1600 (226), (780) 484-4105 (fax), [ dbourgeault@isotechnika.com ]