Vasogen Inc. Announces Promising Research Results for VasoCare(TM) Therapy in Cardiovascular Disease Treatment

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at Vasogen Inc. have presented significant findings demonstrating the beneficial effects of VasoCare(TM) immune modulation therapy for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. A study conducted by Dr. David Courtman, Director of Research at St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, showed that VasoCare(TM) therapy improved blood vessel function in pre-clinical models of atherosclerosis. A placebo-controlled clinical trial in patients with advanced peripheral vascular disease (PVD) also yielded positive results, with patients experiencing significant improvement in skin blood flow and oxygen tension.

Key Takeaways:

  • VasoCare(TM) therapy demonstrated a significant improvement in blood vessel function in pre-clinical models of atherosclerosis, with a three-fold greater maximal endothelial-dependent relaxation of more than 55% compared to the 15% relaxation observed in the untreated control group (p<0.05).
  • The placebo-controlled clinical trial in PVD patients showed a significant improvement in skin blood flow recovery, with patients experiencing a 27% decrease in recovery time at 18 weeks, compared to baseline (p<0.05).
  • The results of both studies suggest that VasoCare(TM) therapy has the potential to significantly increase blood vessel function in patients with atherosclerosis, providing evidence for its potential in treating cardiovascular diseases.
  • The AHA's Scientific Sessions is one of the most prestigious annual meetings in the world devoted to cardiovascular research and medicine, with approximately 35,000 attendees, including cardiologists, internists, researchers, family practitioners, surgeons, and nurses.
  • Vasogen Inc. is focused on developing immune modulation therapies to advance the treatment of cardiovascular, autoimmune, and related inflammatory diseases.

Statistics:

  • 73rd Scientific Sessions of the American Heart Association (AHA) attendees: approximately 35,000 individuals.
  • Percentage improvement in blood vessel function: 55% maximal endothelial-dependent relaxation in VasoCare(TM)-treated animals, compared to 15% relaxation in the untreated control group (p<0.05).
  • Time frame for PVD trial: nine weeks for two courses of VasoCare(TM) therapy or placebo treatment.
  • Baseline recovery time: 100% (full blood flow recovery time).
  • Post-treatment recovery time (VasoCare(TM) group): 27% (decrease in recovery time at 18 weeks, p<0.05).

Sources:

  • Vasogen Inc. (AMEX:MEW) (TSE:VAS) press release, dated Nov. 13, 2000.
  • American Heart Association (AHA) 73rd Scientific Sessions proceedings, New Orleans, 2000.
  • Dr. David Courtman, Director of Research, Division of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto.
  • Professor Lars Edvinsson, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Lund, Sweden.
  • Dr. Clive Ward-Able, Vasogen's Vice-President of Research and Development.