HERMOSA BEACH, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 02/15/16 -- Kalytera Therapeutics, Inc., a pharmaceutical company developing a portfolio of proprietary cannabinoid and endocannabinoid-like medicines, today announced that Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, Ph.D., Co-Chair of Kalytera's Scientific Advisory Board, will deliver the keynote presentation, The Current Landscape of Medical Cannabis, at the 2016 CannaTech Conference on March 7th, 2016 in Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel.
Dr. Mechoulam will be joined at the conference by Dr. Yossi Tam, D.M.D., Ph.D., also a member of Kalytera's Scientific Advisory Board. Dr. Tam will participate in a medical research panel discussion entitled, Notes to International Community: Israeli Program Provides Ripe Ground for Medical Science Development.
"We're thrilled to see the continued recognition of our leadership team," said Seth Yakatan, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Kalytera. "With the support and guidance of Hebrew University, Drs. Mechoulam and Tam have been instrumental in helping to advance the study of cannabis and Kalytera's pipeline of drug candidates, including K671, a novel endocannabinoid-like medicine."
K671 is a unique synthetic fatty acid amide and an endocannabinoid-like molecule that may restore bone in persons suffering from osteoporosis and Prader-Willi syndrome ("PWS"). Kalytera has obtained an exclusive license to K671 from Yissum Research Development Company, Hebrew University's technology transfer arm. Preclinical studies are now underway examining K671 in relevant animal models.
K671 in Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a chronic condition characterized by a weakening of the bone and an increased risk of fracture. Osteoporosis, the most common bone disease, typically does not manifest until late in life, when bone loss begins due to bone breakdown and decreased levels of bone formation.
Studies in mice have shown that K671 increases bone volume density with a favorable side effect profile. Researchers used a mouse ovariectomy ("OVX") model where mice ovaries were surgically removed at six weeks of age; the OVX model is designed to mimic osteoporosis in women post-menopause, when sex hormone levels are significantly altered.
Compared to controls, mice treated with K671 (0.5 mg/kg/day) recovered more than half of the OVX-attributed bone loss. In vivo, K671 was shown to inhibit pit formation by osteoclasts formed on dentin slices, a cell culture model. In vivo, K671 was shown to restrict the activity of osteoclasts, cells that resorb bone tissue. No serious side effects observed as a result of K671 administration.
K671 in PWS
Prader-Willi syndrome ("PWS") is a complex genetic disorder with symptoms that commonly include short stature, incomplete sexual development, cognitive disabilities, chronic feelings of hunger, and obesity. Many patients with PWS also are diagnosed with osteoporosis. This additional symptom is often seen in adolescents and adults with PWS.
Kalytera researchers are exploring the potential ability for K671 to prevent bone loss in mice with genetic mutations designed to mimic the effects of PWS. Studies are currently ongoing with results anticipated in 2016.
About Kalytera Therapeutics
Kalytera Therapeutics is developing a portfolio of non-psychoactive cannabinoid and endocannabinoid-like medicines intended to address the unmet needs of large patient populations. Kalytera seeks to commercialize its proprietary synthetic cannabinoid therapies across a range of disease states, with an initial focus on osteoporosis and bone healing.
Forward-Looking Statement Disclosure
This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements", including statements regarding the efficacy of potential products, the timelines for bringing such products to market, and the availability of funding sources for continued development of such products. Forward-looking statements are based on management's estimates, assumptions, and projections, and are subject to uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of Kalytera. Actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in any forward-looking statement. Factors that may cause such differences include the risks that potential products that appear promising to Kalytera cannot be shown to be efficacious or safe in subsequent preclinical or clinical trials, Kalytera will not obtain appropriate or necessary governmental approvals to market these or other potential products, Kalytera may not be able to obtain anticipated funding for its development projects or other needed funding, and Kalytera may not be able to secure or enforce adequate legal protection, including patent protection, for its products. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date of this press release, and Kalytera does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or correct any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that subsequently occur or of which we hereafter become aware.
Company Contact
Victoria Rudman
Chief Financial Officer
Telephone: (888) 861-2008
Email: info@kalytera.co
