Nutra Pharma Subsidiary, ReceptoPharm, Receives Approval To Begin Clinical Trials For The Treatment Of Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV)

Main Category: Lymphoma / Leukemia
Also Included In: Clinical Trials / Drug Trials
Article Date: 21 May 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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Nutra Pharma Corp. (OTCBB: NPHC), a biotechnology company that is developing drugs for HIV and Multiple Sclerosis, has announced that its wholly-owned drug discovery subsidiary, ReceptoPharm, Inc., has received approval from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to conduct trials of its leading antiviral drug candidate, RPI-MN, as a treatment for Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV).

"Currently we are studying RPI-MN for its antiviral properties in treating HIV/AIDS, herpes, and rabies in humans," explained Paul Reid, CEO of ReceptoPharm. "We believe that naturally occurring FeLV infections represent a good model for HIV/AIDS in humans and the study will prove useful to assess the RPI-MN's potential in subjects with HIV," he added.

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is a highly contagious retrovirus that infects approximately 2% to 3% of the cat population in the United States. It is considered the most common fatal disease of cats leading to immune deficiency, leukemias and a higher risk for secondary infections. It is a more serious disease than that caused by the feline immunovirus (FIV).

"Almost 40 million people are living with HIV, but global estimates in 2005 indicated only 80% in clinical need are receiving antiretroviral drugs," commented Rik J. Deitsch, Chairman and CEO of Nutra Pharma Corporation. "With the complex and limiting treatment options available for HIV, we believe that RPI-MN could provide a more cost-effective alternative for developing nations. The successful completion of the study in FeLV will allow Nutra Pharma to enter a potentially lucrative market in companion animals while also providing vital safety data for our human trials," he concluded.

The FeLV trial will be conducted in partnership with the 10th Life Cat Sanctuary. Trial protocols were developed with the assistance of veterinary experts in the field of Feline Leukemia.

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 subsidiary, ReceptoPharm, Inc., is developing these 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.

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 approval for ReceptoPharm to begin trials for the treatment of FeLV 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 http://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.

http://www.NutraPharma.com
http://www.ReceptoPharm.com