Apr 11 2007, 9:30 AM EST
Nutra Pharma Corp. (OTCBB: NPHC), a biotechnology company that is developing drugs for HIV and Multiple Sclerosis has today announced that its drug discovery division, ReceptoPharm, has filed a patent for a method of treating autoimmune diseases, including Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Rheumatoid Arthritis.
The patent discusses a method of treatment that uses ReceptoPharm's lead drug candidate, ReceptoPharm, to induce gamma-interferon and interleukin-27 (IL-27). IL-27 is a recently discovered and important anti-inflammatory regulator in cells of the immune system.
"We are pleased to announce this important discovery by ReceptoPharm," commented Rik J Deitsch, Chairman and CEO of Nutra Pharma Corporation. "Recently, larger biotechnology companies, including Genentech (NYSE: DNA), have shown interest in ways to control this pathway as a means to treat several autoimmune diseases. Some have even proposed the direct use of IL-27 to down regulate the autoimmune process," he added.
The ReceptoPharm patent provides a new way of controlling autoimmune diseases. Inducing IL-27 and gamma-interferon shut down the inflammation process by influencing the release of another interleukin, IL-17, that is a newly discovered component in maintaining the inflammation and autoimmune process.
"This discovery is significant to our continued research and development, as it identifies the mechanism of action for RPI-78M," explained Paul Reid, CEO of ReceptoPharm, Inc. "We believe that our drug is the first to induce the expression of IL-27, which represents a novel way to approach the treatment of several autoimmune diseases," he concluded.
In March, ReceptoPharm received notification of acceptance of its paper, entitled "Alpha-Cobratoxin as a possible therapy for Multiple Sclerosis; a review of the literature leading to its development for this application," for publication in the Critical Reviews in Immunology special conference issue. In addition, the Company recently announced its nonbinding letter of intent with Nanogene Biotechnology to create a joint venture in China aimed at developing its antiviral drug, RPI-MN, for the Chinese market.
About Nutra Pharma Corp.
Nutra Pharma Corp. is a biopharmaceutical company specializing in the acquisition, licensing and commercialization of pharmaceutical products and technologies for the management of neurological disorders, cancer, autoimmune and infectious diseases. Nutra Pharma Corp. through its subsidiaries carries out basic drug discovery research and clinical development and also seeks strategic licensing partnerships to reduce the risks associated with the drug development process. The Company's holding, ReceptoPharm, Inc, is developing technologies for the production of drugs for HIV and Multiple Sclerosis ("MS"). The Company's subsidiary, Designer Diagnostics is engaged in the research and development of diagnostic test kits designed to be used for the rapid identification of infectious diseases such as Tuberculosis (TB) and Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare (MAI). Nutra Pharma continues to identify and acquire intellectual property and companies in the biotechnology arena.
http://www.NutraPharma.com
http://www.ReceptoPharm.com
This press release contains forward-looking statements. The words or phrases "would be," "will allow," "intends to," "will likely result," "are expected to," "will continue," "is anticipated," "estimate," "project," or similar expressions are intended to identify "forward-looking statements." Actual results could differ materially from those projected in Nutra Pharma's ("the Company") business plan. The Company's business is subject to various risks, which are discussed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). The recently filed ReceptoPharm patent for a method of treating autoimmune diseases should not be construed as an indication in any way whatsoever of the value of the Company or its common stock. The Company's filings may be accessed at the SEC's Edgar system at www.sec.gov. Statements made herein are as of the date of this press release and should not be relied upon as of any subsequent date. The Company cautions readers not to place reliance on such statements. Unless otherwise required by applicable law, we do not undertake, and we specifically disclaim any obligation, to update any forward-looking statements to reflect occurrences, developments, unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statement.
