Vasogen Inc.
INVESTOR CONTACT
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Mississauga, ON, Canada L5L 4M1 Glenn Neumann
tel: (905) 569-2265 fax: (905) 569-9231 Investor Relations
www.vasogen.com (905) 569-9065
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Vasogen Results Presented at American Heart Association Meeting
Toronto, Ontario (November 13, 2000) -- Vasogen Inc. (TSE:VAS; AMEX:MEW) today
announced that previously reported research results, demonstrating the
beneficial effects of its VasoCare(TM) immune modulation therapy for the
treatment of cardiovascular diseases, were presented at the 73rd Scientific
Sessions of the American Heart Association (AHA) in New Orleans. Controlled
studies demonstrated that in pre-clinical models and in patients with advanced
peripheral vascular disease, VasoCare(TM) therapy produced a significant
improvement in the function of the endothelial cells which line blood vessels
and are crucial for normal vascular function. Impaired endothelial cell function
is recognized as a major factor in the development and progression of
atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), leading to heart attack, stroke,
and other cardiovascular disease complications.
Results presented at the AHA conference involved a study conducted by Dr. David
Courtman, Director of Research, Division of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery
at St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, demonstrating the ability of
VasoCare(TM) therapy to significantly increase blood vessel function in a
pre-clinical model of severe atherosclerosis. Blood vessel function was assessed
in VasoCare(TM)-treated versus untreated control animals by measuring relaxation
of arteries in response to acetylcholine, a potent dilator of blood vessels in
animals with normal endothelial cell function. A three-fold greater maximal
endothelial-dependent relaxation of more than 55% was observed in
VasoCare(TM)-treated animals, compared to the 15% relaxation observed in the
untreated control group (p<0.05).
These results are consistent with the outcome of a placebo-controlled
double-blind clinical trial of VasoCare(TM) therapy in patients with advanced
peripheral vascular disease (PVD) that was also presented at the AHA conference.
The PVD trial, conducted under the direction of Professor Lars Edvinsson,
Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Lund, Sweden, measured
changes in the recovery rate of skin blood flow and oxygen tension following
total occlusion of blood flow to the extremities - a measurement indicative of
an improvement in endothelial cell function. The Lund trial enrolled eighteen
patients who were randomly assigned to one of two groups: one group received two
courses of VasoCare(TM) therapy over a nine-week period, and a control group
received two courses of a placebo treatment. In patients receiving VasoCare(TM)
therapy, improvement in the rate of recovery of skin blood flow was noted as
early as six weeks after the initiation of therapy. At 18 weeks, the rate of
recovery of skin blood flow was significantly faster in the VasoCare(TM) group
when compared to baseline (recovery time 27% of baseline, p<0.05), whereas in
the control group there was no significant change. Recovery of skin oxygen
content was also significantly faster in the VasoCare(TM) group at 18 weeks
(p<0.03).
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"The results presented at the AHA provide evidence that VasoCare(TM) therapy has
the potential to significantly increase blood vessel function in patients with
atherosclerosis," commented Dr. Clive Ward-Able, Vasogen's Vice-President of
Research and Development. "These studies further support the rationale for our
ongoing double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial in peripheral vascular
disease patients that is on schedule to report results by the end of November."
The AHA's Scientific Sessions is noted as the premier annual meeting in the
world devoted to cardiovascular research and medicine. Approximately 35,000
individuals including cardiologists, internists, researchers, family
practitioners, surgeons, and nurses are expected to attend the meeting.
Vasogen is focused on developing immune modulation therapies to advance the
treatment of cardiovascular, autoimmune and related inflammatory diseases. These
therapies are designed to target fundamental disease-causing events, providing
safe,effective treatment.
Statements contained in this press release, including those pertaining to
scientific and clinical research, commercialization plans, strategic alliances,
and intellectual property protection, other than statements of historical fact,
are forward-looking statements subject to a number of uncertainties that could
cause actual results to differ materially from statements made. The Toronto
Stock Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the
adequacy or the contents of this news release.
