Isotechnika, Paladin receive screening acceptance for Voclera for approval in Canada

Isotechnika Pharma Inc. (TSX:ISA) and Paladin Labs Inc. (TSX: PLB) announced today that they have submitted the dossier and received screening acceptance for Voclera^TM (voclosporin) for approval in the Canadian market.  Voclera^TM is a novel immunosuppressive drug in the class of calcineurin inhibitors and is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis.

"Voclera™ was discovered by Isotechnika and has been in development since the late 1990's.  This submission is the culmination of almost 15 years of discovery and development into a novel, next generation calcineurin inhibitor," states Dr. Robert Foster, President and CEO of Isotechnika Pharma Inc.  "We believe Voclera™ offers a unique new treatment that is both safe and effective in treating patients with psoriasis, a very debilitating disease."

"Voclera^TM is an innovative product that will provide an alternative treatment for psoriasis for Canadians." said Jonathan Ross Goodman, President and CEO of Paladin Labs.  

Paladin acquired the Canadian commercial rights for Voclera^TM from Isotechnika in June, 2009.  Isotechnika will receive royalties on any sales of Voclera™ in Canada.

Isotechnika continues to develop voclosporin for use in prevention of organ rejection in kidney transplant recipients for the global marketplace.