Sep 6 2013
ProScanRxPharma Inc. and Grafoid Inc announced today the formation of Calevia Inc., an entirely new cancer therapeutic nanotechnology platform for the precise targeting and thermal eradication of solid tumors.
Calevia intends to combine ProScan’s cellular antibody targeting technologies with MesoGraf™Xide graphene supplied by Grafoid Inc. to eradicate cancerous cells in a non-invasive manner.
Mesograf™ Xide is a unique, functionalized, photoresponsive graphene material that may be coupled with ProScan’ s selective molecular targeting antibody ligands to create a photothermal bio-conjugate for the treatment of prostate cancer. Grafoid’s Mesograf™ derivative Mesograf™Xide is the latest development in thermal energy generating nanomaterial science that instantly transforms near infrared (NIR) light into heat.
As a result of targeting, the heat generating bio-conjugate is delivered selectively to tumor cells and remotely activated by harmless NIR light to safely and effectively destroy cancer tissue from within in a physically powerful way, heat. Calevia’s targeted photothermal therapy may overcome the side effects and strong limitations of common therapeutic methods such as surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.
Focal therapy is the focus of significant development by the pharmaceutical industry. Calevia believes that photothermal therapy using heat as the treatment modality represents a very innovative approach to focal cancer treatment. Calevia will first target prostate cancer using Proscan’s anti-PSMA antibody. The platform will be developed subsequently for several solid tumor types.
Dr Vezeau, co-founder of Calevia said the combination of cell targeting at the molecular level with Grafoid’s MesoGraf™Xide could ultimately redefine the way medicine treats several forms of solid tumors. “That is our goal.”
He added that Calevia’s targeted photothermal treatment opens the door to an entirely new therapeutic platform that overcomes the deficiencies inherent in traditional therapies.
“Targeting the photothermal ablation of prostate and subsequently other solid cancers bridges the gap between conventional therapies and today’s nanotechnology revolution,” Dr. Vezeau said.
Calevia’s co-founders Dr. Claude Vezeau serves as President and CEO, and Dr. Serge Moffett serves as Vice-President, Research and Development. Dr. Gordon Chiu, B.Sci., M.Sci., f-M.S.T.P., N.D. and Vice-President of Grafoid Inc., serves as co-manager and advisor to the project.
Grafoid Inc. has invested in Calevia Inc. and will co-manage the early stage venture. Grafoid is also involved with the arrangement of Calevia’s next stage and longer-term financing.
Dr. Vezeau will be presenting Calevia at the Rodman & Renshaw Global Investment Conference in New York, September 8-10, 2013.
About ProScanRxPharma Inc.
ProScanRxPharma Inc. is an experienced developer of targeted monoclonal antibodies. ProScan is dedicated to the development of innovative solutions to improve and simplify the clinical management of patients suffering from prostate cancer. It applies modern technologies to develop new molecular tools to provide clinicians and their cancer patients with efficient diagnostic and treatment alternatives. ProScan’s products are expected to bring a new wave of solutions to clinicians and patients for the safer and more efficient detection and control of prostate cancer.
About Grafoid Inc.
Grafoid Inc. is a privately held Canadian corporation investing in graphene applications and economically scalable production processes for MesoGraf™ - the global standard for graphene - and MesoGraf™Xide its trade mark graphene oxide produced from raw, unprocessed graphite ore. Focus Graphite Inc. (TSX VENTURE: FMS; OTCQX: FCSMF; FRANKFURT: FKC) holds a principal interest in Grafoid on behalf of its shareholders.