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Advitech Completes Recruitment for Its Second Clinical Study on Oral Treatment for Psoriasis

Posted on: Monday, 14 February 2005, 09:00 CST

Advitech Inc. (TSX-V: AVI), a Canadian biotech company, announced that it has completed recruitment for its second clinical trial on XP-828L, the company's new oral treatment for psoriasis. Eighty-four patients with mild to moderate psoriasis were recruited for this study. More than 50% of patients have completed the first 28 days, and 25% of patients have reached 56 days. The treatment phase is expected to be completed by the end of June, and results should be made available in July.

"In recent months, we had the opportunity to listen to a significant number of people suffering from mild to moderate psoriasis. The message is clear: there is a significant unmet demand for a safe and effective first-line oral treatment," stated Renaud Beauchesne, President and CEO of Advitech. "This is also confirmed by discussions undertaken with potential pharmaceutical partners. They all recognize the need for a safer oral therapy for treating mild to moderate psoriasis."

This multi-centre randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study is taking place over a period of 112 days. The objective of the study is to confirm the results obtained during the open study conducted in 2004. The study protocol involves 2 groups: a placebo group and a second, which will receive a single dose of XP-828L for a period of 56 days. During the second phase of the double-blind study, the placebo group will be administered a double dose of XP-828L, while the second group will remain on the initial single dose of XP-828L.

Psoriasis is an immune-mediated chronic inflammatory disease which affects between 2%-3% of the global population and more than six million adults in North America alone. All existing systemic therapies for psoriasis have significant side effects that limit their long-term use. Various sources estimate the current market for psoriasis treatment at $1 billion US.

About Advitech

Advitech is a biotechnology company specializing in the development of bioactive ingredients from dairy proteins. Its key focus areas are in the fields of immunology and inflammatory processes. Its main platform, XP-828L, is a growth factor complex used as an oral product for the management of mild to moderate psoriasis and also for other immune-mediated chronic inflammatory diseases. Advitech's common shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol AVI. The number of common shares outstanding is 54,799,818.

This press release contains forward-looking statements which reflect the Company's current expectations regarding future events. The forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those projected herein. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

The TSX Venture Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Distributed by Filing Services Canada and retransmitted by Market Wire

 For further information, please contact:  Michel Lamontagne, MBA Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (418) 686-7498 ext. 237 m.lamontagne@advitech.comwww.advitech.com  Marketing information:  Jean-Luc Martre Vice-President, Sales and Marketing (418) 686-7498 ext. 234 jl.martre@advitech.com

SOURCE: Advitech Inc.

Source: MARKET WIRE

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