Chronic Kidney Disease: Reducing Risks of Progression -- Prismic Pharmaceuticals Secures Exclusive Licensing Rights

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona, June 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Prismic Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Scottsdale, Arizona-based pharmaceutical company, today announced that it has secured exclusive licensing rights to Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), including the micronized and ultra-micronized forms, a novel non-steroidal, kidney-friendly anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic agent with a well-documented safety profile in humans.

Commenting on securing the rights to this important new agent, Prismic's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Teo Forcht Dagi, said, "Inflammation and oxidative stress play a key role in the induction and the progression of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).  This is particularly so in diabetic patients, and it is most likely that inflammation is a major factor in the pathogenesis and progression of diabetic nephropathy. In addition, an increase in inflammatory cytokine levels in diabetes may increase oxidative stress as renal injury becomes more pronounced, thereby establishing a vicious cycle. Prismic, therefore, plans to undertake further clinical development with PEA to prove the concept that this molecule is capable of interrupting this cycle without adversely affecting renal function."

Dr. Forcht Dagi also went on to point out that it is believed that "by reducing low grade chronic inflammation and by inhibiting oxidative stress, PEA may reduce risk factors associated with the progression of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and have the potential to offer significant benefit to patients with CKD at early and, quite possibly, even at late stages of the disease."

Prismic Pharmaceuticals has secured worldwide licensing rights (with the exception of Italy and Spain) for PEA from the Epitech Group SRL, and has rights in all regulatory categories for CKD.  Epitech's CEO, Raffaella della Valle, commented that "PEA has been explored in man in various clinical trials in a variety of pain states, for inflammatory and pain syndromes, and has an extremely well-documented safety profile."  She also stated that "Epitech has a very robust portfolio of issued patents covering PEA in all the major countries of the world. We are, therefore, confident that with Prismic's strong management team and worldwide partnering connections, Prismic will be able to maximize the commercial opportunities for PEA, as well as undertaking any additional clinical development work to further develop the product in other indication areas."

About Prismic Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Prismic Pharmaceuticals, Inc., is a privately held pharmaceutical company focused on the development and marketing of prescription medical foods for the clinical dietary management of the metabolic processes associated with many of the disorders associated with the aging population, particularly where inflammation is involved.  The company is based in Scottsdale, Arizona, and was founded in 2011. Contact +1-480-422-1810 or visit www.PrismicPharma.com.

About Epitech Group SRL.
Epitech Group SRL is a pharmaceutical company, headquartered in Padova, Italy, with a strong commitment to R & D in the pharmacology of biological modulation.  It has developed and markets a range of products in Italy and Spain directly and through commercial partners. www.Epitech.it

INFORMATION CONTACT
Teo Forcht Dagi, MD, MPH, DMedSc
Tel: +1-480-320-1003