Philip Morris in search for nicotine-based cure to CVD

Texas-based biotechnology company Endovasc has signed an agreement with tobacco giant Philip Morris, in which Philip Morris has extended a grant for a one-year period to study further the potential for broad practical use of Endovasc's nicotine-based heart treatment Angiogenix for cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Angiogenix is a small molecule derived from the tobacco plant that, when given in low doses, has demonstrated remarkable results in stimulating robust growth of new vessels in four different animal experiments with simulated blood-flow deficiencies. It is already approved for Phase III FDA human clinical trials. The most recent animal study conducted at Columbia University proved that Angiogenix is safe and effective and has the potential to become a biological alternative to bypass surgery.

'Philip Morris's continuous support will be instrumental in making Angiogenix available for broad clinical application,' said Dr David P. Summers, chairman and ceo of Endovasc. 'With its financial help, Endovasc may be able to move to a much broader clinical use of this therapy. Getting beyond expensive intra-cavity injection systems would make the therapy potentially available to millions of additional patients in most every part of the world.'

Endovasc's current FDA Phase III approval requires the use of special heart mapping equipment available in only a few select hospitals in the world.