Theralase achieves success in destruction of listeria bacteria

December 16, 2010 — Theralase Technologies Inc. (TSX-V: TLT) announces it has developed a new application for its Photo Dynamic Compounds (PDC’s); specifically, the destruction of Listeria Monocytogenes, a widely prevalent disease causing bacteria.

The patented Theralase PDCs have shown an ability to destroy bacteria in vitro when light activated, in new research performed at the renowned Princess Margaret Hospital, University Health Network (UHN). Future applications of the PDC technology in bacteria destruction may involve: food safety through food processing equipment sterilization, hospital treatment room sterilization, medical equipment sterilization, bacterial load elimination in wounds and other bacteria destruction applications.

Dr. Lothar Lilge, a scientist at the Ontario Cancer Institute located at Princess Margaret Hospital, University Health Network adds, “Our initial research has demonstrated that the PDC destruction of bacteria is possible. Under further research and development these PDCs represent an opportunity in the area of bacterial destruction for food safety and hospital sterilization.”

Roger Dumoulin-White, President and CEO of Theralase stated that, “We are encouraged that our Photo Dynamic Compounds are proving effective in many varied applications. Not only are these PDCs being shown to be effective in the destruction of a variety of cancer cells, in our on-going research at Princess Margaret Hospital, but now they are also being shown to be effective in the destruction of bacteria.

“Commercialization of these technologies becomes more and more apparent, as our research and development progresses, allowing us the opportunity of introducing these technologies to the world in a variety of diverse applications.

“Theralase in developing and commercializing this new application of our PDC technology plans to work with a variety of organizations, including: food processing organisations, academic institutions, hospitals, practitioners and medical equipment manufacturers interested in bacterial destruction applications.”

Source: Theralase, www.theralase.com