Vascana Findings To Be Presented At International Scleroderma Conference

Main Category: Public Health
Also Included In: Cardiovascular / Cardiology;  Dermatology
Article Date: 19 May 2007 - 12:00 PDT

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MediQuest Therapeutics, Inc., a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on developing therapies for inflammatory and infectious diseases, will have trial results of its lead therapy, Vascana, presented at the 2007 International Workshop on Scleroderma. The presentation is May 19 in Tokyo, Japan.

Most people with Scleroderma - a chronic disease causing thickening or tightening of the skin, blood vessels and internal organs - also suffer from Raynaud's syndrome as a secondary condition. Vascana aims to treat Raynaud's disease, a condition often resulting in severe pain caused by chronic vasospasm episodes in the hands, feet and other extremities.

"With such a close relationship between the two diseases, Vascana may offer Scleroderma patients relief from the symptoms of Raynaud's and dramatically improve their lifestyles," said MediQuest President and CEO Dr. Frederick Dechow. "Our clinical trials have shown that for some patients, Vascana is effective in suppressing symptoms of the disease with minimal to no side-effects."

The Vascana presentation will focus on its phase III clinical trial results and on MediQuest's proprietary Topical Amphi-Matrix (TAM) drug delivery system. With the TAM technology, Raynaud's patients will be able to apply a non-systemic, topical formulation at the affected area to deliver relief. If approved, Vascana will be the first drug on the market specifically designed to prevent and treat Raynaud's symptoms, providing clinicians with a treatment for patients.

"This workshop is not only a great opportunity to showcase Vascana and MediQuest's progress in an international arena, but also to engage with the Scleroderma community and help meet their patient treatment needs," Dechow said.

Last November, at the annual American College of Rheumatology conference in Washington, D.C., MediQuest announced its Phase IIIa clinical trial results for Vascana. The study concluded that Vascana:

-- Rapidly increases blood flow;
-- Is well tolerated in patients with Raynaud's Disease with minimal to no side effects; and
-- May have clinical benefits in patients suffering from Raynaud's Disease.

In addition to Vascana, MediQuest's ongoing developmental efforts have generated a robust pipeline that includes three drug candidates in clinical trials, one at the pre-clinical stage and others at the research stage. The company develops first- and best-in-class topical therapies to treat patients suffering from inflammatory and infectious diseases.

About MediQuest Therapeutics, Inc.

MediQuest Therapeutics is a specialty pharmaceutical company using its proprietary topical delivery system in late-stage clinical trials targeting infectious and inflammatory skin diseases and conditions. The Company's major efforts are focused on projects targeting Raynaud's phenomenon, nail psoriasis and actinic keratosis.

www.mqti.com

In addition to historical facts or statements of current condition, this press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the 'Safe Harbor' provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements provide the Company's current expectation or forecasts of future events. MediQuest's performance and financial results could differ materially from those reflected in these forward-looking statements due to the decisions of regulatory authorities, ability to implement its commercial plans, general financial, economic, regulatory and political conditions affecting the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries generally. For a discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties that may affect the forward-looking statements please contact the Company. Given these risks and uncertainties, any or all of these forward-looking statements may prove to be incorrect. MediQuest undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statement.