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Theralase to Present Groundbreaking Research at ASTRO 2025

By: Newsfile

Radiation-Activated Rutherrin(R) Shown to Be 100 Times More Effective Than Radiation Alone in Preclinical Cancer Models

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - May 28, 2025) - Theralase® Technologies Inc. (TSXV: TLT) (OTCQB: TLTFF) ("Theralase®" or the "Company"), a clinical stage pharmaceutical company pioneering light, radiation, sound and drug-activated therapeutics for the treatment of cancer, bacteria and viruses is proud to announce promising new preclinical results. The Company's latest research demonstrates that radiation-activated Rutherrin® is up to 100 times more effective at destroying cancer cells than radiation therapy alone in comparable models.

This data will be showcased at the 2025 American Society for Radiation Oncology ("ASTRO") 67th Annual Meeting, the world's largest gathering of radiation oncology professionals, taking place in late September in San Francisco, California. ASTRO has selected the Theralase® abstract titled, "Rutherrin® Activated by Radiation Therapy Induces Synergistic Tumor Regression through Direct Destruction and Immune Activation in Multiple Preclinical Cancer Models", for presentation in a scientific poster session.

The study highlights the potent anti-cancer effects of Rutherrin®—a ruthenium-based small molecule drug formulated with recombinant human transferrin for intravenous administration. Once activated by ionizing radiation through a process known as Radio Dynamic Therapy ("RDT"), Rutherrin® initiates a two-phase cancer-killing response: the generation of Reactive Oxygen Species ("ROS") for immediate cytotoxicity, followed by Immunogenic Cell Death ("ICD") to stimulate a durable immune response.

Key Findings from the Preclinical Research:

  • Selective Tumor Targeting: Rutherrin® preferentially accumulates in tumor tissues, sparing healthy cells.

  • Blood-Brain Barrier Penetration: Demonstrated 10x higher concentrations in Glio Blastoma Multiforme ("GBM") tumors than in healthy brain tissue.

  • Synergistic Mechanism: Combines direct tumor cell destruction with robust immune activation.

  • Improved Survival Rates: Statistically significant survival benefits compared to radiation therapy alone.

  • Resistance Overcoming: Effectively inhibits mechanisms associated with multidrug and radiation resistance.

  • Adaptive Immune Activation: Induces long-term immunity, as evidenced by resistance to tumor rechallenge.

Mark Roufaiel, Ph.D., research scientist at Theralase® commented, "These results are highly encouraging. Rutherrin® not only enhances the effectiveness of radiation therapy, but also activates a sustained immune response, offering a powerful, dual-action strategy against aggressive and treatment-resistant cancers."

Arkady Mandel, M.D., Ph.D., D.Sc., Chief Scientific Officer of Theralase®, added, "Our focus is to bring this innovative platform to clinical application. Rutherrin® represents a major advancement in oncologic treatment, potentially enabling radiation oncologists to dramatically improve patient outcomes. This research provides a strong foundation for integrating Rutherrin® with existing cancer therapies to deliver more effective, long-lasting solutions."

Roger DuMoulin-White, B.Sc., P.Eng., Pro.Dir., President and Chief Executive Officer of Theralase®, stated, "Based on this compelling data, we are fully committed to completing GLP toxicology studies in 2025. This critical milestone will support the launch of clinical studies in early 2026 targeting GBM, lung, pancreatic, lymphoma and colorectal cancers. We're excited to continue advancing Rutherrin® toward commercialization and transforming cancer care."

About ASTRO

Founded in 1958, ASTRO's mission is to advance the practice of radiation oncology by promoting excellence in patient care, providing opportunities for educational and professional development, promoting research, disseminating research results and representing radiation oncology in a rapidly evolving health care environment.

The ASTRO Annual Meeting is the premier event in radiation oncology, bringing together leading scientists, clinicians and industry partners to share groundbreaking research and technological innovations. The 2025 meeting in San Francisco will showcase cutting-edge advances in radiation biology, translational medicine and cancer therapeutics.

About Rutherrin®

Rutherrin® is a patented formulation of Theralase®'s lead ruthenium-based small molecule (Ruvidar®) combined with recombinant human transferrin making it suitable for intravenous delivery. It has the ability to selectively accumulate in cancer cells versus healthy cells and when radiation-activated provide a one-two punch to cancer, by first destroying the cancer cell through oxidative stress and then activating the immune system for destruction of residual cancer cells. Rutherrin® is slated to enter clinical studies in early 2026 for the destruction of deadly cancers; including: brain, lung, pancreatic, colorectal and lymphoma.

About Theralase® Technologies Inc.

Theralase® is a clinical stage pharmaceutical company dedicated to the research and development of light, radiation, sound and/or drug-activated small molecules and their associated formulations, with a primary objective of efficacy and a secondary objective of safety in the destruction of various cancers, bacteria and viruses, with minimal impact on surrounding healthy tissue.

Additional information is available at www.theralase.com and www.sedarplus.ca.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains Forward-Looking Statements ("FLS") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Such statements include; but, are not limited to statements regarding the Company's proposed development plans with respect to small molecules and their drug formulations. FLS may be identified by the use of the words "may, "should", "will", "anticipates", "believes", "plans", "expects", "estimate", "potential for" and similar expressions; including, statements related to the current expectations of the Company's management regarding future research, development and commercialization of the Company's small molecules; their drug formulations; preclinical research; clinical studies and regulatory approvals.

These statements involve significant risks, uncertainties and assumptions; including, the ability of the Company to fund and secure the regulatory approvals to successfully complete various clinical studies in a timely fashion and implement its development plans. Other risks include: the ability of the Company to successfully commercialize its small molecule and drug formulations; the risk that access to sufficient capital to fund the Company's operations may not be available on terms that are commercially favorable to the Company or at all; the risk that the Company's small molecule and drug formulations may not be effective against the diseases tested in its clinical studies; the risk that the Company fails to comply with the terms of license agreements with third parties and as a result loses the right to use key intellectual property in its business; the Company's ability to protect its intellectual property; the timing and success of submission, acceptance and approval of regulatory filings. Many of these factors that will determine actual results are beyond the Company's ability to control or predict.

Readers should not unduly rely on these FLS, which are not a guarantee of future performance. There can be no assurance that FLS will prove to be accurate as such FLS involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results or future events to differ materially from the FLS.

Although the FLS contained in the press release are based upon what management currently believes to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure prospective investors that actual results, performance or achievements will be consistent with these FLS.

All FLS are made as of the date hereof and are subject to change. Except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to update such FLS.

For investor information on the Company, please feel to reach out Investor Inquiries - Theralase Technologies.

For More Information:

1.866.THE.LASE (843-5273)
416.699.LASE (5273)
www.theralase.com

Kristina Hachey, CPA
Chief Financial Officer X 224
khachey@theralase.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/253568

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