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REDPOINT BIO CORPORATION ANNOUNCES DISCOVERY OF MOLECULAR MECHANISM FOR THYMOL TASTE TRANSDUCTION
Researchers Identify Key Ion Channel Activated by Thymol
Ewing, New Jersey, March 10, 2008 – Redpoint Bio Corporation (OTCBB: RPBC), a company developing ingredients to improve the taste of pharmaceutical, food and beverage products, today announced the discovery that thymol, a major component of oral consumer products, can activate the human transient receptor potential A1 (hTRPA1) ion channel. Thymol, a natural compound found in oregano and thyme, is well known for its aversive properties including a sharp odor and pungent flavor. It also has powerful anti-infective and anti-inflammatory properties and is currently used in various consumer products, most notably oral rinses and mouthwash.
The findings, published in The British Journal of Pharmacology, show that thymol taste can be transduced via the hTRPA1 ion channel, a channel which is also activated by other compounds with pungent taste properties such as cinnamaldehyde (a flavoring compound used to impart cinnamon flavor), mustard oil (including wasabi mustard) and allicin, a pungent component of fresh garlic. In addition, new findings were reported regarding the ability of propofol, an important pharmacological sedative used in surgical procedures, to activate this same ion channel.
The research paper, entitled, “Thymol and related alkyl phenols activate the hTRPA1 channel,” authored by members of Redpoint’s discovery research team, including S. Paul Lee, M. Tulu Buber, Qifeng Yang, Rok Cerne, Rosa Y. Cortés, Dennis G. Sprous and Robert W. Bryant, Ph.D., was published online today on the Journal’s website at www.nature.com/bjp/.
Dr. Bryant, Vice President of Discovery Research for Redpoint, noted “We are very pleased that these important findings have been published in this prestigious, peer-reviewed journal. The discovery of a molecular mechanism causing the unpleasant taste of thymol-containing products, allows Redpoint to begin to identify molecules that could block its aversive taste properties, yet also maintain its positive health attributes.”
Dr. Bryant added, “This discovery underscores the utility of Redpoint Bio’s scientific approach to the molecular mechanisms of taste, and opens the door for the development of future consumer and pharmaceutical products targeting this important pathway.”
About Redpoint Bio
Redpoint Bio is leveraging recent discoveries in the molecular biology of taste to discover and develop novel taste modulators for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Redpoint Bio's food and beverage program is focused on identifying novel compounds that improve the tastes of existing ingredients and enable the development of better-tasting and more healthful foods and beverages. The pharmaceutical program uses a biochemical approach aimed at suppressing the bitterness of medicines, which has the potential to expand the range of formulation options and increase patient compliance. For more information, please visit the Company's website at www.redpointbio.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
In addition to historical facts or statements of current condition, this press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "Safe Harbor" provisions of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements provide the Company's current expectations or forecasts of future events. The Company's performance and financial results could differ materially from those reflected in these forward-looking statements due to among other factors, uncertainty inherent in the discovery phase of technological development, any efforts by third parties to invalidate or limit any patents, the marketplace acceptance of its products, the decisions of regulatory authorities, the results of clinical trials and general financial, economic, regulatory and political conditions affecting the food, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries generally. Given these risks and uncertainties, any or all of these forward-looking statements may prove to be incorrect. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statement.
CONTACT AT:Redpoint Bio:
Scott Horvitz
Chief Financial Officer
(609) 637-9700, ext. 207
At Rx Communications Group (for Redpoint Bio):
Melody Carey (investors): (917) 322-2571
Paula Schwartz (investors): (917) 322-2216
Eric Goldman (media): (917) 322-2563
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