Clinical Study Shows Avicena's Nurigene(TM) Significantly Increases Skin Firmness And Elasticity

Main Category: Dermatology
Also Included In: Clinical Trials / Drug Trials
Article Date: 23 Jun 2006 - 0:00 PDT

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Avicena Group, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: AVGO) (Avicena), a developer of novel pharmaceutical and therapeutic products, announced today positive findings from a clinical study of its Nurigene(TM) dermaceutical product line. Results demonstrated that Nurigene(TM), which incorporates Avicena's proprietary MgA(TM) technology, elicited a statistically significant increase in the firmness and elasticity of subjects' skin at both Week 4 and Week 8 of the study. Additional study findings demonstrated that Nurigene(TM) led to a statistically significant improvement in skin barrier function at Week 4, indicating an increase in the skin's ability to retain moisture.

"These study findings confirm our beliefs with regard to the significant skin benefits provided by the Nurigene(TM) product line," said Belinda Tsao-Nivaggioli, Ph.D., Avicena's chief executive officer. "By applying our versatile proprietary technology platforms to the development of next-generation dermaceuticals, we have created a product line that truly meets women's skin health needs."

In addition to standard clinical skin care measurements, investigators also collected data from study participants through perception questionnaires. The results of these questionnaires showed that a statistically significant proportion of subjects felt that the Nurigene(TM) regimen reduced their fine lines and wrinkles and made their skin feel healthier, firmer, softer and smoother. A substantial percentage of study subjects agreed that after using Nurigene(TM) their skin:

-- Felt Smoother - 97%

-- Felt Softer - 91%

-- Felt More Moisturized - 88%

-- Felt Firmer - 85%

-- Looked Healthier - 85%

-- Felt More Hydrated - 82%

-- Felt Rejuvenated - 79%

These figures reflect the combined percentage of subjects who selected the top three choices on a seven point scale that ranged from strongly agree to strongly disagree.

"The overwhelmingly positive feedback from the study participants clearly demonstrates that Nurigene(TM) treatment is providing a number of key benefits," stated Dr. Tsao-Nivaggioli. "We believe that the ability of this treatment regimen to cause women to feel so positively about their skin will strongly position Nurigene(TM) as a dermaceutical product line of choice for consumers."

The purpose of this investigation was to assess Nurigene's ability to diminish the effects of aging on the skin. The study, conducted by an independent research group, included 35 female subjects ranging in age from 35 to 65. Investigators assessed the impact of the Nurigene(TM) treatment regimen at four weeks and eight weeks following study initiation using standard scientific measurement procedures, as well as subject perception questionnaires.

ABOUT NURIGENE

Nurigene(TM) is a scientifically-based line of skin care products formulated to enhance the regeneration of healthy skin. The product line incorporates the company's proprietary MgA(TM) technology which is designed to promote optimal cellular regeneration and protection by providing critical nourishment to the skin's cellular growth environment. Nurigene(TM) products are designed to work synergistically and are also hypoallergenic, paraben-free, non-comedogenic, dermatologist-tested and non-animal tested.

ABOUT AVICENA

Based in Palo Alto, CA, Avicena is a biotechnology company that seeks to develop and commercialize therapeutic products that regulate the critical energy processes which occur within human cells. Avicena's focus is on the development of pharmaceutical products to treat patients with rare diseases (orphan drugs), as well as dermaceutical and nutraceutical products. To date, the company has advanced certain compounds for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease) into Phase III trials and treatments for Huntington's disease (HD) into Phase II development. Having completed Phase II trials, the company is now considering a Phase III trial for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

SAFE HARBOR

This release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Such forward-looking statements reflect, among other things, management's current expectations, plans and strategies, and anticipated financial results, all of which are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Many of these risks are beyond our ability to control or predict. See "Risk Factors" in the company's prospectus and annual report for a discussion of such risks, including the company's need for additional funds, the company's dependence on a limited number of therapeutic compounds, the early state of the products the company is developing, uncertainties relating to clinical trials and regulatory reviews, competition and dependence on collaborative partners, the company's ability to avoid infringement of the patent rights of others, and the company's ability to obtain adequate patent protection and to enforce these rights. Because of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Furthermore, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Avicena does not undertake any obligation to update or review any such forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Avicena Group, Inc.
http://www.avicenagroup.com/