Eyecare Tips

2009: Immunotec Announces Important Clinical Research Initiative: New Study To Be Launched With The Goal Of Improving The Quality Of The Aging Process

September 07, 2017

Immunotec Inc. (TSX-V: IMM) announced that the Natural Health Products Directorate (NHPD) - a division of Health Canada responsible for evaluating the safety, efficacy and quality of natural health products (NHPs) - granted authorization for Immunotec to conduct a clinical trial of IMMUNOCAL(R) in elderly persons.

Aging is typically associated with a decrease in skeletal muscle mass and muscle function, which contributes decisively to disability in old age and to a loss of quality of life. Resistance training exercise can increase muscle strength, function and mass in older adults.

The primary aim of this study is to determine whether taking a cysteine-rich whey protein isolate (IMMUNOCAL(R)) compared to casein (a milk protein used as control, which contains little cysteine) may optimize the quality of life in the elderly. The consumption of these proteins will be evaluated in association with resistance training to determine if the combination of Immunocal(R) with exercise will provide significant gains in muscle strength, muscle mass and cognitive functions, compared to the same training program combined with taking casein, the control protein. Benefits in these fields can be translated to improved quality of life for elderly persons.

The Principal Investigator, Dr. Remi Rabasa-Lhoret, MD, PhD, Associate Research Professor and Metabolic Unit Laboratory Director, Institut de recherches cliniques de Montreal (IRCM) and his research team are very enthusiastic about the prospects of the trial. "Immunotec should be commended for initiating and supporting this very important research study of its lead product "Immunocal" in aging. It is rare to see companies in this field conducting double blind randomized studies with a control group. The focus of the study is highly relevant for people over the age of 65. Assessing the combined effects of exercise and supplementation with cysteine-rich whey protein isolate (IMMUNOCAL(R)) as well as the potential impact on important functions, such as muscle strength and cognition may provide significant benefits," said Dr. Rabasa-Lhoret.

"NHPD, Health Canada's clearance of the clinical application for our Immunocal(R) trial adds to our significant accomplishments and continued commitment in research," said Mr. James Northrop, President and CEO of Immunotec Inc. "This marks the first, controlled clinical study of Immunocal(R) in an elderly population. Furthermore, we are delighted with the fact that this study will be run at IRCM - a research center in the province of Quebec with an excellent reputation in Canada and internationally."

About Immunocal(R)

Immunocal(R), Immunotec's cornerstone product, is a cysteine- rich whey protein isolate- a dietary natural health supplement, developed and marketed by Immunotec over the past 10 years. It secured Health Canada regulatory approval to market the product in Canada and an NPN (Natural Product Number) on October 31, 2007 for the health claim "Immunocal is a natural source of the glutathione precursor cysteine for the maintenance of a strong immune system".

About Immunotec Inc.

Immunotec is engaged primarily in the development and marketing of natural health products, dietary supplements, vitamins and personal care products, many of which are manufactured on its behalf by third parties. Immunotec's products are distributed and sold in Canada, the United States, Korea, Ireland and the United Kingdom through a network marketing system and in other countries through exclusive distributorship agreements. Immunotec's investment in this study is another reflection of its ongoing commitment to research and development.

About IRCM Inc.

Established in 1967, the IRCM now has 35 research units specialized in areas as diverse as immunity and viral infections, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, cancer, neurobiology and development, systems biology and medicinal chemistry, clinical research and bioethics. It has a staff of more than 450 people. The IRCM is an independent institution, affiliated with the Universite de Montreal and has built, over the years, a close collaboration with McGill University. The IRCM Outpatient Clinic is now associated with the CHUM (Centre hospitalier de l'Universite de Montreal).

Source: IMMUNOTEC INC