Ottawa, ON / ACCESSWIRE / Aug 13 2014 / Avivagen Inc. (TSXV: VIV, OTC Pink: CHEXF), a wellness company developing and delivering products that support and enhance the health and quality of life for animals and the people who care for them, announces the start of a proof-of-concept study on its optioned technology for the permanent sterilization of female mammals - that may eliminate the need for surgical spaying.
The invention is a novel and drug-based means of accomplishing this longstanding veterinary goal and could prove effective for companion animal sterilization, control of feral and wild animal populations and certain livestock and human health applications.
The proof-of-concept study is being conducted in females of a laboratory species and will measure the effects of multiple potential drug actives at several doses versus a negative control group. The primary endpoint of the study will be a definitive count of all viable follicle types in the ovary, allowing an assessment of immediate fertility as well as reproductive reserves. The counts will be made by independent histological examination. It is expected that the in-vivo portion of the study will be completed in late September and that the final histological results will become available prior to the end of calendar 2014.
Cameron Groome, CEO and President of Avivagen commented on this development "Positive results from this proof-of-concept study would enhance our confidence that this invention could potentially become the means to replace surgical spaying for animal population control: The mechanism of action of the invention is believed to be common to all female mammals, so positive results from this study could be highly indicative of commercial utility in a wide range of species."
Specifically, many millions of unwanted dogs and cats are born in the world each year and immeasurable suffering could be avoided if a safe, effective and permanent non-surgical sterilization product becomes available. Furthermore, the feral and wild animals currently killed to control their numbers would be manageable in a completely humane fashion. Avivagen and the inventor believe the technology should be suitable for use in a single-administration product presentation that would make it appealing to pet owners, animal control organizations and veterinarians.
As an indicative market, United States pet population estimates are available from the American Pet Products Association (APPA): It estimates that there are 83.3 million owned dogs and 95.6 million owned cats in that country and suggests 83% of dogs and 91% of cats are spayed or neutered. Approximately 50% of such animals are female and could benefit from this invention, for an estimated market of at least 78 million female pets just in the United States. Avivagen believes that a safe and effective non-surgical sterilization product would replace those spaying operations - avoiding the health risks, logistical challenges and high prices related to the current invasive surgical procedure.
About Avivagen Inc.
Avivagen Inc. is a publicly-listed life sciences company trading on the TSX Venture Exchange under the ticker symbol "VIV". The Company's goal is to develop and deliver scientifically-proven solutions that can truly benefit companion and production animals by employing natural mechanisms for maintaining good health. Avivagen's targeted markets include Livestock Productivity and Pet Wellness.
The company has sites located in partnership facilities of the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) - in Ottawa, Ontario and Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. More information can be found at www.avivagen.com.
About OxC-beta
This proprietary and patent-protected technology is based on Avivagen's discoveries concerning carotenoid antioxidants. The novel natural compounds discovered by Avivagen support the body's own systems to maintain and enhance health, particularly by supporting immune function. Avivagen's commercial-stage application of its technology is Fully-Oxidized beta-Carotene (OxC-beta). OxC-beta compounds occur naturally as carotenoid oxidation products in vegetation, but in minute amounts. They have been developed to support the health of companion animals and for use in the global food animal market.
Research results indicate OxC-beta supports innate immune function, which can help maintain good health. In pets, OxC-beta supports overall vitality and energy, mobility and joint function, skin, coat and gut. Results observed in food animals have included healthier growth, better utilization of feed and decreased mortality. In food animals, it is intended that use of OxC-beta avoids the feeding of antibiotics.
The commercial products of Avivagen are OxC-beta for livestock, Vivamune(TM) Health Chews and Oximunol(TM) Chewables.
About OxC-beta for Livestock
OxC-beta for Livestock is available as a 10% pre-mix sold in 1.0 or 5.0 Kg quantities for parts-per-million addition to animal feeds, in accordance with producer-developed protocols. In past studies, OxC-beta has been shown to support health and growth in species such as fish, chicken, pigs and cattle. OxC-beta for livestock is currently available for commercial sale in the Kingdom of Thailand.
About Vivamune(TM) Health Chews - For dogs and cats
Vivamune(TM) Health Chews, containing Avivagen's proprietary active ingredients, are scientifically-formulated chews for dogs and cats. Vivamune(TM) Health Chews work with a pet's own immune system to maintain overall health and well-being. They are sold in re-sealable packages of 30 chews and are currently available in the United States by ordering on-line at www.vivamunehealth.com.
About Oximunol(TM) Chewables - For dogs
Oximunol(TM) Chewables are scientifically-formulated chewable tablets that contain Avivagen's proprietary, patented active ingredient OxC-beta. OxC-beta has been shown to stimulate innate cellular immunity and may thereby help to maintain overall health and well-being. Oximunol(TM) Chewables are distributed by Bayer Healthcare LLC and are available through veterinarians for dogs of all ages in the United States.
Permanent Non-Surgical Sterilization of Female Mammals
Avivagen has optioned worldwide exclusive rights to a technology for the permanent and non-surgical sterilization of female mammals. A proof-of-concept trial in an indicative species has been started in order to demonstrate whether the technology appears to be safe and effective. It is expected that a patent application covering World Trade Organization countries will be pursued and that technological details will be made available when that patent application is published. Further information will be disclosed as deemed prudent or as required.
This news release includes certain forward-looking statements that are based upon current expectations, which involve risks and uncertainties associated with the business of Avivagen Inc. and the environment in which the business operates. Any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical facts may be deemed to be forward-looking, including those identified by the expressions "anticipated", "believe", "could", "expected", "if", "intended", "may", "potential", "should", "will", "would" and similar expressions. Statements about Avivagen's beliefs about the viability and potential future applications of the technology described in the press release, including the commencement of the proof of concept study, whether the study will meet its primary endpoint, the dates for its completion, whether the technology could replace surgical spaying, whether results in one mammal species are replicated in another, the suitability or appeal of product presentations, the commercial viability of the technology, or with regards to its novelty, permanency, formulation, dosage, proposed uses , whether the technology is patentable or infringes the intellectual property rights of third parties, the potential markets for the technology and statements about what will happen if Avivagen exercises its option in connection with the technology are all forward looking statements. The forward-looking statements reflect the current expectations of Avivagen Inc. regarding future results or events relating to its business generally and the specific subject matters of this news release. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations. The results of further development of the technology may not be positive and Avivagen may not exercise its option to license the technology. If licensed, the technology may not gain the level of market acceptance anticipated by Avivagen or at all. Avivagen assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
For more information:
Avivagen Inc.
Cameron Groome
CEO & President
Phone: 613-949-8164
www.avivagen.com
SOURCE: Avivagen Inc.