Radiation Control Technologies, Inc. Announces Exclusive License to Two Patents from the National Institutes of Health

ROCKVILLE, Md., July 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Radiation Control Technologies, Inc. (RCTI), a private development stage biopharmaceutical company developing RCT1938, a novel radiosensitizer that sensitizes tumor cells to killing by radiation while protecting healthy cells from radiation damage by inhibiting the synthesis of the novel target protein CD47, announced today that it has been granted an exclusive license to two patents from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).  The NIH exclusive license covers composition and uses of RCT1938 worldwide as a radiosensitizer to treat cancer and to treat or prevent radiation exposure in humans.

Radiation Control Technologies is entering into advanced preclinical testing of RCT1938 as an adjuvant for radiotherapy, as well as seeking federal grants and contracts to develop RCT1938 as radiation medical countermeasure.  RCT1938 promises to be a safe and effective adjuvant for radiotherapy for cancer and a promising medical countermeasure for acute radiation sickness and delayed effects of acute radiation exposure.  RCT1938 is derived from a chemical class that has been proven safe in clinical trials.

CD47, the novel target protein, is a "master switch" controlling key molecular pathways in tumor regression and radioprotection post-ionizing radiation.  By blocking the synthesis and expression of CD47, RCT1938 selectively sensitizes solid tumors to radiation killing and inhibits apoptosis (programmed cell death) in a comprehensive, multifactorial manner in healthy tissues.  More importantly, RCT1938 simultaneously activates natural survival pathways and triggers the cellular switch from apoptosis to survival in radiation injury in healthy cells.

Craig Liddell, Ph.D., CEO & President of RCTI, said, "Being awarded the NIH license is a key milestone for our company.  We believe RCT1938 will become the standard adjuvant for use in conjunction with cancer radiotherapy.  It is believed that the compound will permit lower doses of radiation to be effective and allow for higher lifetime doses of radiation with greater patient safety and fewer side effects."

"Our initial lead indication is head and neck cancer, and we believe this will be just the beginning in oncology, with RCT1938 expected to have a therapeutic role in the more than 50% of cancer patients currently treated with radiation," concluded Dr. Liddell.

AboutRadiation Control Technologies, Inc: RCTI was founded in 2011 to commercialize a top 10 scientific discovery recognized by the NIH in 2010 for the novel role of CD47 in radiosensitization of tumors cells and radioprotection of healthy cells.  RCTI was founded by a co-inventor of the licensed NIH patents, Jeffrey S. Isenberg, MD, Chair of the Scientific Advisory Board.  RCTI has assembled an experienced team of drug developers and business professionals led by CEO & President, Dr. Craig M. Liddell.

Company contact:
Dr. Craig M. Liddell
Radiation Control Technologies, Inc.
703-795-7622
[email protected]

Media Contact:
Tiberend Strategic Advisors, Inc.
Claire Sojda
212-827-0020
[email protected]

SOURCE Radiation Control Technologies, Inc.