In Vivo Data Presented at AHA Conference Demonstrates Altamira Therapeutics' SemaPhore mRNA Delivery Platform to Effectively Help Preserve Atherosclerotic Plaque Stability

Rhea-AI Summary

Altamira Therapeutics (NASDAQ:CYTO) announced that animal study data presented at the American Heart Association Annual Scientific Sessions 2022 demonstrated effective delivery of SOD2 mRNA using its SemaPhore technology. The research showed significant improvements in mitochondrial protection and plaque stability in atherosclerosis models. Following treatment, mice exhibited a 25% reduction in inflammatory macrophages and a 98% increase in smooth muscle cells, indicating less plaque vulnerability. This highlights the potential of nanoparticle-based mRNA therapeutics in addressing atherosclerosis complications.

Positive

• Significant improvements in plaque stability as demonstrated by a 25% reduction in inflammatory macrophages.
• 98% increase in smooth muscle cells in atherosclerotic plaques, indicating enhanced plaque strength and stability.
• Effective delivery of SOD2 mRNA shown via SemaPhore technology, suggesting future therapeutic potential.

Negative

• None.

• Animal study shows effective protection of mitochondria from oxidative damage and reduced plaque vulnerability in advanced atherosclerosis following treatment with SOD2 mRNA nanoparticles based on Altamira's SemaPhore™ technology
• Data presented at American Heart Association Annual Scientific Sessions Chicago 2022, earlier this month

HAMILTON, BERMUDA / ACCESSWIRE / November 22, 2022 / Altamira Therapeutics ("Altamira" or the "Company") (NASDAQ:CYTO), a company dedicated to developing therapeutics that address important unmet medical needs, today announced the presentation of animal data generated by an atherosclerosis research group at the University of Michigan School of Medicine (Ann Arbor, MI) showing effective delivery of mRNA, and protective effects in arteries, with its SemaPhore™ delivery technology.

The data was presented at the prestigious American Heart Association Annual Scientific Sessions Chicago 2022, earlier this month.

The research group tested the delivery of Superoxide Dismutase 2 (SOD2) mRNA with Altamira's peptide-based SemaPhore nanoparticles to boost SOD2 expression in advanced atherosclerotic plaque cells in a mouse model. SOD2 is one of the major antioxidant defense systems against free radicals but is known to be reduced in inflammatory conditions such as atherosclerosis.

The group hypothesized that increasing SOD2 expression would protect mitochondria from oxidative damage and preserve plaque stability. Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the arteries, involving the formation of plaque on the walls, and is the underlying cause of about 50% of all deaths in westernized society. Erosion or rupture of advanced atherosclerotic plaque is the leading cause of atherosclerosis complications such as heart attack and stroke.

Treatment of mice by systemic administration of SOD2 mRNA nanoparticles resulted in markedly increased levels of SOD2 mRNA and mitochondrial SOD2 in plaque macrophages (p<0.01), and higher local SOD activity, which resulted in lower levels of mitochondrial and cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and improved mitochondrial function. After only four weeks of intermittent (2x/wk) i.v. mRNA therapy, mice treated with SOD2 mRNA exhibited 25% fewer inflammatory macrophages (p<0.01) and 98% more smooth muscle cells (p<0.001) in plaques and plaque caps, which was associated with decreased plaque vulnerability (p<0.05) compared to control. The research group concluded: "Using nanoparticle-based mRNA therapeutics to modulate plaque morphology has great potential in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis complications."

Samuel Wickline, M.D., Chief Scientific Officer of Altamira, a co-author of the study, suggested that: "The opportunity to systemically deliver potent mRNA therapeutics to inflammatory pathologies such as atherosclerosis sets the stage for controlled regulation of harmful reactive oxidant species in this and other disease conditions."

About SemaPhore
SemaPhore is a versatile platform for safe and effective delivery of mRNA (messenger ribonucleic acid) into target cells. It is based on a patented 21-amino acid peptide that can engage any type of RNA in rapid self-assembly into a polyplex. The polyplex has a size, charge, and other physical features that allow it to escape hepatic clearance and thus to reach other target tissues than the liver. SemaPhore protects the RNA payload from degradation in the circulation and allows for rapid cellular uptake, while enabling pH-dependent nucleotide endosomal escape and cytoplasmic delivery. Effective delivery of mRNA and positive treatment outcomes have been demonstrated in various murine models of disease, including osteoarthritis (WNT16), atherosclerosis (p27Kip1) and aortic aneurysm (SOD2).

About Altamira Therapeutics
Altamira Therapeutics (NASDAQ:CYTO) is dedicated to developing therapeutics that address important unmet medical needs. The Company is currently active in three areas: the development of RNA therapeutics for extrahepatic therapeutic targets (OligoPhore™ / SemaPhore™ platforms; preclinical), nasal sprays for protection against airborne allergens and, where approved, viruses (Bentrio™; commercial) or for the treatment of vertigo (AM-125; Phase 2), and the development of therapeutics for intratympanic treatment of tinnitus or hearing loss (Keyzilen® and Sonsuvi®; Phase 3). Founded in 2003, it is headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda, with its main operations in Basel, Switzerland. For more information, visit: https://altamiratherapeutics.com/

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may contain statements that constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements are statements other than historical facts and may include statements that address future operating, financial or business performance or Altamira Therapeutics' strategies or expectations. In some cases, you can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as "may", "might", "will", "should", "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "estimates", "predicts", "projects", "potential", "outlook" or "continue", or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and beliefs and involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, developments and business decisions to differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the closing of the initial sale of 90% of Zilentin, the exercise by Zilentin of its option to purchase additional legacy assets, the achievement by Altamira of the milestones set forth in the option agreement, Altamira's ability to complete a divestiture transaction of Bentrio, the approval and timing of commercialization of AM-301, Altamira Therapeutics' need for and ability to raise substantial additional funding to continue the development of its product candidates, the timing and conduct of clinical trials of Altamira Therapeutics' product candidates, the clinical utility of Altamira Therapeutics' product candidates, the timing or likelihood of regulatory filings and approvals, Altamira Therapeutics' intellectual property position and Altamira Therapeutics' financial position, including the impact of any future acquisitions, dispositions, partnerships, license transactions or changes to Altamira Therapeutics' capital structure, including future securities offerings. These risks and uncertainties also include, but are not limited to, those described under the caption "Risk Factors" in Altamira Therapeutics' Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2021, and in Altamira Therapeutics' other filings with the SEC, which are available free of charge on the Securities Exchange Commission's website at: www.sec.gov. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated. All forward-looking statements and all subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to Altamira Therapeutics or to persons acting on behalf of Altamira Therapeutics are expressly qualified in their entirety by reference to these risks and uncertainties. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Altamira Therapeutics does not undertake any obligation to update them in light of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable law.

Contact:
Investors@altamiratherapeutics.com
800-460-0183

SOURCE: Altamira Therapeutics Ltd.

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FAQ

What does the recent Altamira Therapeutics press release highlight?

The press release highlights animal study data showing effective delivery of SOD2 mRNA using SemaPhore technology, which improves plaque stability in atherosclerosis.

What were the results of the animal study presented by Altamira Therapeutics?

The study showed a 25% reduction in inflammatory macrophages and a 98% increase in smooth muscle cells, indicating decreased plaque vulnerability.

Where was the Altamira Therapeutics data presented?

The data was presented at the American Heart Association Annual Scientific Sessions 2022 in Chicago.

What technology is used by Altamira Therapeutics for mRNA delivery?

Altamira uses its patented SemaPhore technology for the effective delivery of mRNA therapeutics.