BiOasis Receives Blood-Brain Barrier Research Report From The University Of British Columbia

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 18, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- biOasis Technologies Inc. (TSX-V:BTI) has received a final report detailing results achieved within the Collaborative Research project with The University of British Columbia (UBC) that was announced by the Company on June 2, 2009. The report indicates that p97 (see About Transcend™ below) was more readily transported across the blood-brain barrier and accumulated to a significantly greater degree in brain tissue than did the anti-amyloid β IgG that was used as an experimental control. Further, it was observed that p97 accumulated in the brain more rapidly than IgG and to a much higher degree that has been reported previously. It was also demonstrated that the primary route of elimination of p97 from the body was via the kidney.

The objective of this research project was to compare the ability of different formulations of p97 to move across the blood-brain barrier in animal models. The closer examination of transport, kinetics and bio-distribution of species-specific p97 more closely reflects that which is expected with human p97 thus supporting the potential for p97 as a drug delivery vehicle.

"These results confirm past findings and support the development of p97 as Transcend™", says Rob Hutchison, President & CEO of biOasis . "The Company is in the process of initiating the Transcend™ program, in which drugs will be attached and moved across the blood-brain barrier ("BBB"). By enabling drugs that are currently unable to cross the BBB to enter the brain, biOasis will help to address significant medical challenges with the potential to create highly valuable assets for its shareholders". The Company is also anticipating results from its Cognitest™ program which if positive will enable the initiation of assay validation using human serum samples in the near future.

ABOUT TRANSCEND™ (p97)

biOasis is developing a proprietary carrier for the transport of therapeutic and imaging agents across the blood brain barrier - Transcend™. Current initiatives within the Transcend™ program include production of materials for preclinical studies and conjugation to a range of small molecule and biologic therapeutics. To address the unmet clinical need to transport drugs across the blood brain barrier biOasis intends to license Transcend™ to multiple corporate partners.     

ABOUT COGNITEST™ (p97)

biOasis is developing a proprietary diagnostic for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease - Cognitest™. Current initiatives within the Cognitest™ program include product and method development, validation using human samples, and regulatory approval in Europe. To enable faster adoption and greater use of Cognitest™ the Company intends to out license it to multiple corporate partners.                                                                       

ABOUT BIOASIS:

biOasis Technologies Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company engaged in the development and commercialization of products for the diagnosis and treatment of neurological diseases and disorders. Its products and technologies are intended for use within the healthcare and life science research markets. The Company is currently developing Cognitest™, a blood test for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. BiOasis is also developing Transcend™, a proprietary molecular carrier intended to transport drugs across the Blood-Brain Barrier for treatment of a wide range of neurological, oncological and infectious disease applications.