DiaMedica Inc., (TSX-V: DMA) is pleased to announce the commencement of a research collaboration with The Sanford Project, a world leader in type 1 diabetes (T1D) research.
The Sanford Project is one of the initiatives established after Denny Sanford’s historic $400 M gift to Sanford Health in 2007. The Project aims to cure T1D through the development of beta cell regeneration therapies (the cells which produce insulin in the pancreas). As announced on October 14, 2010, DiaMedica has shown the ability of DM-99 to protect and increase beta cells by 1277%, making it a strong beta cell regeneration candidate. DiaMedica also announced the in vivo validation of DM-199, its next generation version of DM-99 on October 27, 2010.
DiaMedica will be working with Alexei Savinov MD/PhD, Associate Scientist, The Sanford Project, who is a T1D beta cell regeneration and autoimmunity expert using the non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse model. Dr. Savinov will be performing a definitive study in the NOD mouse using DM-199. The study is designed to measure the dual actions of DM-199, which are to protect/regenerate beta cells and to halt the autoimmune attack.
“The encouraging DM-99 results prompted our interest to work with DiaMedica and help to evaluate the potential of DM-199 in type 1 diabetes ,” stated Paul Burn, PhD, Todd & Linda Broin Chair and Director of The Sanford Project.
“DiaMedica is delighted to be working with Dr. Savinov and The Sanford Project”, said Rick Pauls, CEO of DiaMedica. “This collaboration will provide additional external validation of DM-199 by working with the prominent T1D research group at the Sanford Project “, continued Mr. Pauls. “We believe DM-199 has the potential to significantly protect/proliferate beta cells and haltautoimmune attacks which may result in a promising treatment for type I diabetes patients.”
About DiaMedica
DiaMedica is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel treatments for type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and other disorders. DiaMedica has completed two successful proof-of-concept Phase II studies with DM-71 and DM-99, which demonstrated human efficacy in lowering blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.
DiaMedica’s lead product DM-199 is a novel recombinant next generation form of DM-99, which has shown the potential to increase insulin sensitivity, reduce the autoimmune attack and trigger proliferation of pancreatic beta cells, neural stem cells and bone marrow cells. DiaMedica is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the trading symbol “DMA”. For further information please visit www.diamedica.com.
About The Sanford Project
The Sanford Project is one of the four initiatives made possible through Denny Sanford’s transformational gift to Sanford Health in 2007. From its inception, The Sanford Project was “designed for results.” Sanford Health will combine clinical components of patient care and science into one of the most promising and fast-moving fields of research; regenerative medicine. Their goal is to research and cure type 1 diabetes, all in pursuit of a healthy future for our children.
For further information please visit www.sanfordproject.com.
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