Duska Therapeutics Licenses Portfolio of Heart Failure Drugs From Duke and
Johns Hopkins
Lead Candidate Set for Phase II Clinicals
LA JOLLA, Calif., June 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Duska Therapeutics,
Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: DSKA) ("Duska" or the "Company"), announced today
that it has been granted an exclusive, worldwide license from Duke University
and Johns Hopkins University to develop and commercialize their rights to a
portfolio of investigational cardiovascular drugs for the treatment of heart
failure. The most advanced drug in the portfolio is expected to enter a Phase
II clinical study later this year.
The drug portfolio was developed in part by Jonathan S. Stamler, M.D.,
George Barth Geller Professor of Research in Cardiovascular Diseases and
Professor of Medicine and Biochemistry at Duke University, and Joshua M. Hare,
M.D., Louis Lemberg Professor of Medicine, Chief of the Division of Cardiology
and Director of the Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute at University of
Miami. Dr. Hare was formerly associated with Johns Hopkins University.
The Phase II candidate and all other drugs in the portfolio are designed
to correct nitric oxide and redox disequilibrium in the failing heart and
cardiovascular system. All have a dual mechanism of action of inhibiting the
creation of reactive oxygen radicals and concurrently providing nitric oxide
in the failing heart. The therapeutic target is the ryanodine receptor, the
ion channel in the heart that provides the calcium necessary for the heart to
beat. The investigational drugs are believed to improve calcium cycling in
the heart by acting on the ryanodine receptor to significantly improve the
efficiency of heart contractility.
According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI), there
are an estimated five million Americans that suffer from congestive heart
failure, a condition characterized by the inability of the heart to
efficiently pump blood and by fluid accumulation in the lungs and other
tissues. An estimated 300,000 deaths each year result from heart failure.
"The licensing of these novel heart failure drugs greatly strengthens our
pipeline by adding a Phase II candidate with blockbuster market potential,"
said James S. Kuo, M.D., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Duska.
"Multiple sets of data obtained in preclinical and human studies suggest that
our newly licensed heart failure drugs should be safe and beneficial. We
intend to initiate a randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled Phase II
clinical trial of the lead candidate later this year to expand on the earlier
clinical findings," he added.
About Duska Therapeutics, Inc.
Duska Therapeutics, Inc., in La Jolla, California, is a biotechnology
company focused on the development of medical products based on adenosine
triphosphate and nitric oxide. Duska owns or has exclusive licensing rights
to proprietary medical products that are in various stages of development for
the treatment and diagnosis of certain cardiac arrhythmias, treatment of heart
failure, treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, and improvement
of sperm motility. For more information, visit
http://www.duskatherapeutics.com.
Forward-looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning
of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended that involve
risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ
materially from the events or results described in the forward-looking
statements. The forward-looking statements are based on current expectations,
estimates and projections made by management. Duska intends for the forward-
looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-
looking statements. Words such as "anticipates," "expects," "intends,"
"plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," or variations of such words are
intended to identify such forward-looking statements. All statements in this
release regarding the future outlook related to Duska are forward-looking
statements such as the most advanced drug in the portfolio is expected to
enter a Phase II clinical study later this year and multiple sets of data
obtained in preclinical and human studies suggest that our newly licensed
heart failure drugs should be safe and beneficial and we intend to initiate a
randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled Phase II clinical trial of the
lead candidate later this year to expand on the earlier clinical findings.
There can be no assurance that the Phase II clinical study will commence in a
timely manner. The forward-looking statements are subject to risks and
uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those
set forth or implied by any forward-looking statements. Additional
uncertainties and risks are described in Duska's most recently filed SEC
documents, such as its most recent annual report on Form 10-KSB, all quarterly
reports on Form 10-QSB and any current reports on Form 8-K filed since the
date of the last Form 10-KSB. Copies of these filings are available through
the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov. All forward-looking statements are
based upon information available to Duska on the date hereof. Duska undertakes
no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements,
whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than
as required by law.
SOURCE Duska Therapeutics, Inc.
James S. Kuo, M.D., M.B.A., Chairman and CEO of Duska Therapeutics, Inc.,
+1-858-551-5700, fax, +1-858-551-5704, kuoj@duskatherapeutics.com
