Duska Therapeutics Sponsored University of Pennsylvania Study Demonstrates ATP
Improves Sperm Motility and In Vitro Fertilization in Animals
LA JOLLA, Calif., May 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Duska Therapeutics,
Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: DSKA.OB) ("Duska" or the "Company") announced today
that scientists from the University of Pennsylvania's Center for Research on
Reproduction and Women's Health have published the results of the Company's
sponsored study showing that extracellular ATP (adenosine 5'-triphosphate)
improves sperm motility and increases fertilizing capability in mice.
The data was published online in the journal Biology of Reproduction
(http://www.biolreprod.org/cgi/content/abstract/biolreprod.107.065565).
The University of Pennsylvania scientists studied sperm obtained from two
mouse strains: one with normal and the other one with low fertilization
capacity. Extracellular ATP treatment of these sperm in vitro (outside of the
body) resulted in improved sperm motility parameters and was associated with a
rapid increase in the level of intracellular calcium. The effect was inhibited
by two P2 receptor antagonists. Furthermore, extracellular ATP treatment of
mouse sperm resulted in increased success rates of in vitro fertilization
(IVF) procedures. The improved fertilization rate was much more pronounced
when sperm from the mouse strain with low fertility were used.
The authors suggest that ATP's activation of P2 receptors to modulate
sperm function may be beneficial for artificial reproductive techniques.
"We are extremely pleased with the positive results of sperm treatment
with ATP, which were obtained in this second Duska-sponsored study," said Dr.
Amir Pelleg, Duska's President and Chief Scientific Officer. "These results
indicate that the mechanism of action of extracellular ATP on improving sperm
motility and fertilization potency is mediated by P2 receptors and increased
level of intracellular calcium. The data further support the development of
ATPotent(TM), which contains ATP, as a novel processing medium to improve
sperm motility when used in conjunction with IVF or IUI procedures," he added.
No human embryos were created or destroyed in this Duska-sponsored study
About Male Infertility and ATPotent(TM)
Asthenozoospermia, i.e., lack of or low sperm motility, is a common cause
of human male infertility. It has been reported in the medical literature
that the prevalence of altered sperm motility in infertile men is
approximately 82%. Currently, there is no FDA-approved product that improves
sperm motility. Duska's proprietary ATPotent(TM) is being developed as a novel
processing medium to improve sperm motility in conjunction with IVF or IUI
procedures. One component of ATPotent(TM) is ATP, a naturally occurring
biological molecule that is found in all human cells. Naturally occurring ATP
in the female reproductive tract is believed to play a facilitating role in
normal egg fertilization. Several in vitro studies conducted on sperm of
human and several animal species suggest that extracellular ATP treatment of
poorly motile sperm improves motility parameters and increases the success
rate of IVF procedures.
About Duska Therapeutics, Inc.
Duska Therapeutics, Inc., based in La Jolla, California, is a
biotechnology company focused on the development of medical products based on
ATP (adenosine 5'-triphosphate). 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, improvement of
sperm motility, treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder and
chronic cough, and mitigation of the toxic effects of radiation exposure. For
more information on the company, visit Duska's website at
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, including the statements that these results indicate that the
mechanism of action of extracellular ATP on improving sperm motility and
fertilization potency is mediated by P2 receptors and increased level of
intracellular calcium and that the data further support the development of
ATPotent(TM), which contains ATP, as a novel processing medium to enhance
sperm motility when used in conjunction with IVF or IUI procedures. 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
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
