(via Thenewswire.ca)
OTTAWA, ONTARIO, April 17, 2012 - In light of the quickening pace of regulatory actions in the US relating to the concern about antimicrobial resistance and common agricultural practices, and the announcement last week that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed a voluntary initiative to phase in certain changes to how medically important antimicrobial drugs are labeled and used in food-producing animals, Chemaphor Inc. (TSX Venture Exchange: CFR) would like to draw attention to its initiative in working with industrial and academic partners and the active pursuit of additional collaborative relationships to bring to fruition the promise of its non-antibiotic OxC-beta product.
Dr. Graham Burton, President, commented "With the ban of the sub-therapeutic use of antibiotics in animal feeds in Europe and the anticipated restriction on such use in the US it is important that alternatives be brought forward for producers to help maintain the health of animals and their productivity. While the European experience has shown that modifying production practices, such as improving hygiene and reducing crowding, do help, there actually appears to have been an increased need for the approved individual use of antibiotics for arising acute medical situations. Clearly, if there were acceptable non-antibiotic alternatives for in-feed use this would be ideal in helping maintain health and levels of productivity in the face of the growing worldwide demand for animal protein in the human diet."
One such possibility is Chemaphor's proprietary OxC-beta, which has shown promising efficacy in clinical trials, particularly under situations with at least some degree of physiological stress, which usually translates into a compromised immune system, as exists under the majority of commercial production conditions. Explained Dr. Burton, "By supporting immune health and in particular the animals own natural defence mechanisms against microbes, while at the same time mitigating inflammatory conditions, the use of OxC-beta is a new tool that by this means indirectly improves productivity and ultimately the safety of the final product for the consumer. It is our intention to bring this opportunity to the attention of producers, feed suppliers, pharmaceutical manufactures and other interested parties alike, as being an important tool for moving forward in helping reduce a major dependency upon antibiotics in agriculture"
The FDA is implementing a voluntary strategy to promote the judicious use in food-producing animals of antibiotics that are important in treating humans. The goal of the strategy is to protect public health and help curb the development of antimicrobial resistance and in turn help to reduce the number of infections in humans that are difficult to treat because existing antibiotics have become ineffective. The FDA is taking this action because it says "It is well established scientifically that all uses of antimicrobial drugs, in both humans and animals, contribute to the development of antimicrobial resistance, and that this is an important public health concern. Experts agree that antimicrobial drugs must be used "judiciously" in both animal and human medicine to slow the development of resistance. "Judicious use" is using an antimicrobial drug appropriately and only when necessary; Based on a thorough review of the available scientific information, FDA recommends that use of medically important antimicrobial drugs in food-producing animals be limited to situations where the use of these drugs is necessary for ensuring animal health, and their use includes veterinary oversight or consultation. FDA believes that using medically important antimicrobial drugs to increase production in food-producing animals is not a judicious use."
http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/GuidanceComplianceEnforcement/Guid anceforIndustry/ucm216939.htm
About OxC-beta
OxC-beta is Chemaphor's proprietary, concentrated source of oxidized carotenoid, containing oxidation compounds that occur extensively in the plant world. Results of clinical trials in animals and in vitro studies indicate OxC-beta helps support immune function, which can result in general overall health improvement.
About Chemaphor
Chemaphor, a wellness company, is committed to developing and delivering products for animals and humans to assist in optimizing health and daily quality of life. Chemaphor is advancing product candidates for the food animal market, companion animal market and various potential human applications. More information can be found at www.chemaphor.com.
Forward Looking Statements This news release includes certain forward-looking statements that are based upon current expectations, which involve risks and uncertainties associated with the business of Chemaphor Inc. and Avivagen Animal Health Inc. and the environment in which their respective businesses operate. Any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical facts may be deemed to be forward-looking, including those identified by the expressions "will", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "intend", and similar expressions. The forward-looking statements reflect the current expectations of Chemaphor Inc. and Avivagen Animal Health Inc. regarding future results or events. 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. Chemaphor 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. The results of treatment described above are based on historical results. Different animals may experience different results from the treatments described above.
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:
David Hankinson Graham Burton, PhD
CEO, Chemaphor Inc. President and Co-Founder, Chemaphor Inc.
Phone: 902-825-9270 Phone: 613-990-0969
d.hankinson@chemaphor.com g.burton@chemaphor.com
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