Mitopharm Corporation, Inc. (Pink Sheets:MTPM), releases the results of
a research paper where Professor Dr. Robert Ko reports on (-)
Schisandrin B – a new compound discovered by
Dr. Ko – as a more potent agent in protecting
the heart against Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion than its precursor,
Schisandrin B. www.mitopharm.com
Mitopharm believes that its products have the potential to play a
significant role in addressing the aging concerns of the baby boomers,
the heart-health and heart-diseases markets, and the segment of the
population that is physically active.
In the research paper entitled “(-)SCHISANDRIN
B IS MORE POTENT THAN ITS ENANTIOMER IN ENHANCING CELLULAR GLUTATHIONE
AND HEAT SHOCK PROTEIN PRODUCTION AS WELL AS PROTECTING AGAINST OXIDANT
INJURY IN H9C2 CARDIOMYOCYTES"; Chiu et al.; Molecular
and Cellular Biochemistry 2006; 289: 185-191, Professor Dr.
Robert Ko reports on (-) Schisandrin B – a new
compound discovered by Dr. Ko – as a more
potent agent in protecting the heart against Myocardial
Ischemia-Reperfusion than its precursor, Schisandrin B.
Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD) is the number one killer in Western
countries. While ischemia can only be rescued by the re-supply of blood
to the heart, reperfusion of the blood-deprived heart causes an
additional damage, resulting in heart dysfunction and eventual death.
Agents that offer heart protection against ischemia-reperfusion (I-R)
injury is therefore of great therapeutic value in the prevention and
treatment of IHD.
Schisandrin B is an active ingredient from Schisandra berry,
which is traditionally used as a cardio-tonic. Earlier studies in our
laboratory demonstrated that Schisandrin B protects the heart against
myocardial I-R injury through enhancing tissue glutathione antioxidant
status. Our recent study showed that Schisandrin B could enhance
mitochondrial energy generation, antioxidant defense, as well as heat
shock protein production in the heart. Schisandrin B exists in two
isomeric forms, namely, (+) Schisandrin B and (-) Schisandrin B. The
present investigation aimed to examine the differential potency between
these two molecules in protecting against cellular injury caused by free
radicals. The results indicate that (-) Schisandrin B produces more
potent enhancing effects on cellular antioxidant defense, heat shock
protein production, as well as protection against cellular injury caused
by free radicals.
The finding supports the notion that (-) Schisandrin B is the
Schisandrin molecule of optimal activity for conferring heart protection.
Patented use of this newly discovered compound, (-) Schisandrin B, for
the prevention and treatment of Ischemic Heart Disease has been applied
for with the US Patent and Trademark Office.
For a copy of this research report, please contact the publisher,
Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry.
About the Company
Mitopharm Corporation is a biotechnology company in the research &
development, marketing and sale of drugs, dietary supplements, and
functional beverages. The initial products are based on a newly
discovered compound (the "Compound") that is the result of over 15 years
of research and development by one of its founding shareholders, the
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology ("HKUST").
At HKUST, scientific studies have identified biochemical actions of
Mitopharm's key Compound, demonstrating that it enhances the
mitochondrial glutathione antioxidant status, a crucial factor in
maintaining mitochondrial function and cell survival, and also induces
the expression of heat shock proteins, another group of important
molecules for cell protection. Management's research indicates that
these biochemical actions differentiate the Compound from other
existing, known compounds, either synthetic or naturally occurring, in
its ability to protect organs including the heart, the liver, and the
brain.
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Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange
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“intend," “anticipate,"
“estimate," “project,"
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among other things, expectations of the business environment in which
the Company operates, projections of future performance, potential
future performance, perceived opportunities in the market, and
statements regarding the Company's mission and vision. The Company's
actual results, performance, and achievements may differ materially from
the results, performance, and achievements expressed or implied in such
forward-looking statements.
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