Helix Biomedix Research could hold answers to global antibiotic resistance crisis

Business Wire, Oct 19, 1995

BATON ROUGE, La.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 19, 1995--Helix BioMedix Inc. (OTC:HXBM) today announced the outcome of recent laboratory pre-clinical studies which indicate promising potential in combating the critical problem of antibiotic resistance.

Helix BioMedix Inc, is a biopharmaceutical company principally engaged in the development and commercialization of a new class of anti-infective and anti-cancer compounds. These compounds, proprietary to the company, are small bioactive proteins called Cytoporins. Helix BioMedix Inc. has exclusive worldwide patent rights on this technology which was jointly developed by the company and Louisiana State University (LSU).

Cytoporins are synthetic "designer" peptides (small proteins) derived primarily from compounds found in the immune defense system of the giant silk moth, Hyalophora cecropia. Cytoporins selectively disrupt the protective membrane of harmful bacteria while not adversely affecting healthy cells of the host.

Research since 1986 by Helix BioMedix and LSU was originally directed toward the broad spectrum potential applications of Cytoporins in the treatment of diseases caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses and to their utilization as wound healing and cancer therapy agents.

Recent studies indicate that Cytoporins, when combined with currently available antibiotics act as powerful boosters which enhance antibiotic effectiveness by a factor of three to ten fold. Most importantly, mutant strains of bacteria which have developed immunity to most stand-alone antibiotics are effectively killed by co-therapy treatment with the proper combination of Cytoporins and the otherwise ineffective antibiotic(s).

According to Keith P. Lanneau, president and CEO of Helix BioMedix, "The synergistic effect of Cytoporins with antibiotics now has emerged as the centerpiece of the Helix BioMedix/LSU research program. The past and current extensive use of antibiotics and the resulting antibiotic resistant bacteria strains that have developed pose a great threat to society. The specter of a real life "andromeda strain" scenario truly exists today."

Dr. Donald R. Owen, Corporate and Scientific Director of Helix BioMedix, is conducting the ongoing research studies which establish that Cytoporins offer a potential solution to this serious health care problem.

Helix BioMedix is accelerating its development work for commercial applications of its patented Cytoporin technology.

CONTACT: Helix BioMedix Inc., Baton Rouge

Keith P. Lanneau, 504/387-1112

or

Harris, DeVille & Associates

Jim Harris, 504/344-0381