New skin sterol data published in Journal of Clinical Chemistry
13 January 2005 - 1:00AM
PR Newswire (US)
New skin sterol data published in Journal of Clinical Chemistry
TORONTO, Jan. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Predictive medicine
company IMI International Medical Innovations Inc. (TSX:IMI; Amex:
IME) announced today that new skin sterol data from a study
conducted independently at the University of Vienna has been
published in the January edition of the Journal of Clinical
Chemistry. "This preliminary study presents some interesting data
about the impact of certain cholesterol-lowering medications on
skin sterol values," said Dr. Brent Norton, President and Chief
Executive Officer. "The initial data shows that skin sterol may be
a useful monitoring tool for patients taking statins." A total of
129 patients were tested with PREVU(x) Point of Care Skin Sterol
Test at baseline, and again at follow-up visits six weeks and six
months after the start of the study. Patients also underwent blood
cholesterol testing. Patients were categorized in three groups:
patients taking 40 mg of simvastatin; patients taking 20 mg of
atorvastatin; and a control group of patients who did not receive
lipid-lowering treatment. Over the course of the study, patients
treated with statins experienced decreases in skin sterol values as
well as in blood cholesterol. The skin sterol levels of patients in
the control group increased nominally from baseline to the six-week
follow-up visit and subsequently declined. "The relationship
between PREVU(x) and various therapies is worthy of further
examination," continued Dr. Norton. "We are currently involved in
additional studies at the University of California at San
Francisco, the Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Centre and the
recently announced study at the University of British Columbia."
About PREVU(x) PREVU(x) Point of Care Skin Sterol Test, which does
not require fasting or the drawing of blood, tests the amount of
sterol, or cholesterol, in the skin tissue. Clinical studies have
shown that as cholesterol accumulates on artery walls it also
accumulates in other tissues, including the skin. High levels of
skin sterol are correlated with higher incidence of coronary artery
disease (CAD). PREVU(x) POC has been approved for sale in Canada,
the U.S. and Europe. About IMI IMI is a world leader in predictive
medicine, dedicated to developing rapid, non-invasive tests for the
early detection of life-threatening diseases. IMI's cardiovascular
products, which are branded as PREVU(x) Skin Sterol Test, will be
marketed and distributed worldwide by McNeil Consumer Healthcare.
The company's cancer tests include ColorectAlert(TM), LungAlert(TM)
and a breast cancer test. IMI's head office is located in Toronto,
and its research and product development facility is at McMaster
University in Hamilton, Ontario. For further information, please
visit http://www.imimedical.com/. This press release contains
forward-looking statements. These statements 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 lack of operating profit and availability of funds and
resources to pursue R&D projects, the successful and timely
completion of clinical studies, the successful development or
marketing of the Company's products, reliance on third-party
manufacturers, the competitiveness of the Company's products if
successfully commercialized, the ability of the Company to take
advantage of business opportunities, uncertainties related to the
regulatory process, and general changes in economic conditions. In
addition, while the Company routinely obtains patents for its
products and technology, the protection offered by the Company's
patents and patent applications may be challenged, invalidated or
circumvented by our competitors and there can be no guarantee of
our ability to obtain or maintain patent protection for our
products or product candidates. Investors should consult the
Company's quarterly and annual filings with the Canadian and U.S.
securities commissions for additional information on risks and
uncertainties relating to the forward-looking statements. Investors
are cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. IMI
is providing this information as of the date of this press release
and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking
statements contained in this press release as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise. DATASOURCE: IMI
International Medical Innovations Inc. CONTACT: Sarah Borg-Olivier,
Director, Communications, T: (416) 222-3449, ; U.S. Investor:
Andrea Faville, The Investor Relations Group, T: (212) 825-3210,
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