FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Immunotec Hosts Symposium and Funds Cancer Research at McGill University Montreal, October 3, 2008 To celebrate the life and work of Dr. Gustavo Bounous, recipient of the Medal of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and Career Investigator of the Medical Research Council, Immunotec Inc. (TSX-V IMM) will host a symposium at the McGill University Faculty Club on Friday, October 3, 2008 from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Symposium Co-Chairmen, Dr. Gerald Batist and Dr. David Mulder are key figures in the Montreal medical and research communities and long-time colleagues of Dr. Bounous. In addition to Drs. Batist and Mulder, Dr. Ray C.J. Chiu will be a featured speaker at the event. Over thirty years ago when Dr. Bounous was considering whey protein as a possible protein source for enteral feeding, his research showed health benefits in laboratory animals. Further investigations determined that augmented glutathione levels resulting from the ingestion of the undenatured cysteine found in whey resulted in a stronger immune system and a better quality of life. In 1996, Immunotec commercialized Dr. Bounous’ discovery and marketed the product under the trade name “Immunocal®”. Health Canada recently awarded Immunocal with a Natural Health Product Number based on its effectiveness in immune health. Following the Symposium, Immunotec President and CEO, James A. Northrop will announce the launch of the Dr. Gustavo Bounous Fund. The Fund provides financial resources to carry forward the legacy of Dr. Gustavo Bounous, who has dedicated his life to identifying, through research, ways to improve the health and wellness of people around the world. In its inaugural year, the Fund will help advance the scientific programs of the McGill Department of Oncology and the Centre for Translational Research in Cancer, by funding the work of Dr. Thomas Jagoe. Dr. Jagoe’s research project is entitled: “Mitochondrial-targeted fluorescent signals in real-time imaging to monitor morphological adaptation and aid functional correlation in muscle tissue”. About Immunotec Inc. Immunotec is engaged primarily in the development and marketing of natural health products, dietary supplements, vitamins and personal care products, many of which are manufactured on its behalf by third parties. Immunotec’s products are distributed and sold in the United States and Canada through a network marketing system and in other countries through exclusive distributorship agreements. Immunotec’s investment in this study is another manifestation of its ongoing commitment to research and development. www.immunotec.com. Media contact: Kathryn Stephens Director, PR & Special Events Tel: 450 510-4450 Fax: 450 424-9993 kstephens@immunotec.com
MEDIA ADVISORY Immunotec Hosts Symposium and Funds Cancer Research at McGill University WHO
Symposium Co-Chairmen: Dr. Gerald Batist, Chair, Department of Oncology, McGill University Dr. David Mulder, H. Rocke Robertson Professor for Surgery, McGill University. Guest of Honour: Dr. Gustavo Bounous Immunotec stands in a class of its own as a leader in the wellness industry. Recognized by researchers and medical professionals around the world, Immunotec continues to set the standards for mainstream products that produce consistent results.
WHAT
Announcement of significant investment in cancer research at McGill University and Symposium to honour the life and work of Dr. Gustavo Bounous. Cocktail reception to follow.
WHEN
Friday, October 3, 2008 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
WHERE
McGill University Faculty Club 3450 McTavish Street Montreal, Quebec
CONTACT
Kathryn Stephens Director, PR & Special Events Tel: .510.4456 Fax: 450.424.9993 Cell: 514.220.6071 (day of event) kstephens@immunotec.com
Celebrating the life and work of
Dr. Gustavo Bounous, MD
Symposium Co-Chairmen
Friday, October 3, 2008 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. McGill University Faculty Club 3450 McTavish Street Montreal, Quebec
DR. GERALD BATIST Chair, Department of Oncology McGill University Director, McGill Centre for Translational Research in Cancer, Jewish General Hospital
DR. DAVID MULDER H. Rocke Robertson Professor of Surgery McGill University
Symposium Programme Dr. Gerald Batist
Glutathione and Cancer, an Exciting Story
Dr. David Mulder
The Bounous Effect on Surgical Nutrition
Dr. Ray C.J. Chiu Associate Director University Surgical Clinic MGH Department of Surgery McGill University
Gus Bounous: A Luciano Tending the Bridge
Mr. Dieter Beer Immunotec Co-founder Dr. Wulf Drรถge Senior Vice-President Research & Development Immunotec Inc. Mr. James A. Northrop President & CEO Immunotec Inc.
Establishment of Dr. Gustavo Bounous Fund Presentation of first research grant to Dr. Thomas Jagoe
Cocktail reception immediately following the symposium.
the
dr. gustavo bounous Fund benefiting research at McGill University
pour la recherche à l’Université McGill
Fonds Dr Gustavo Bounous
H. Rocke Robertson Professor of Surgery, McGill University
Dr. David Mulder
Chair, Department of Oncology, McGill University Director, McGill Centre for Translational Research in Cancer, Jewish General Hospital
“Gus Bounous: A Luciano Tending the Bridge” Associate Director, University Surgical Clinic MGH Department of Surgery, McGill University
Dr. Ray C.J. Chiu
Dr. David Mulder “The Bounous Effect on Surgical Nutrition”
Symposium Co-Chairmen
Symposium Programme
Dr. Gerald Batist
Dr. Gerald Batist “Glutathione and Cancer, an Exciting Story”
•
Le président et chef de la direction, James A. Northrop ainsi que les membres du Conseil d’administration d’Immunotec sont heureux de vous inviter à un symposium organisé pour rendre hommage à la vie et au travail de
Dr Gustavo Bounous, M.D. et pour établir
Fonds Dr Gustavo Bounous
RSVP by September 27th Kathryn Stephens, 450.510.4456
pour la recherche à l’Université McGill
Reception to follow
Le vendredi 3 octobre 2008 15 h 00 à 17 h 00
McGill University Faculty Club 3450 McTavish Street Montreal, Quebec
Cercle des professeurs de l’Université McGill 3450 rue McTavish Montréal, Québec
Friday, October 3, 2008 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Une réception suivra
Benefiting research at McGill University
Dr. Gustavo Bounous Fund
RSVP avant le 27 septembre Kathryn Stephens, 450.510.4456
and to establish the
Dr. Gustavo Bounous, MD
Coprésidents du symposium
Dr Gerald Batist
President and CEO James A. Northrop and the Immunotec Board of Directors request the honour of your presence at a symposium to celebrate the life and work of
•
Programme du symposium
Dr Gerald Batist « Glutathion et cancer, une histoire passionnante »
Directeur associé, Clinique de chirurgie universitaire Hôpital général de Montréal, Département de chirurgie, Université McGill
H. Rocke Robertson professeur de chirurgie, Université McGill
Dr David Mulder «L’effet Bounous sur la nutrition chirurgicale»
Directeur du département d’oncologie, Université McGill Directeur du Centre pour la recherche translationnelle sur le cancer de l’Hôpital général juif
Dr David Mulder
Dr Ray C.J. Chiu
«Gus Bounous : « Luciano » sur le pont»
DR. GUSTAVO BOUNOUS Educated at the University of Turin and the University of Genoa in his native Italy, Dr. Gustavo Bounous’ distinguished career in medical research began as a Research Fellow in surgery at the Indiana Medical Center, Indianapolis. In 1963, he moved to Canada and began an academic career that led him to become Professor of Surgery, first at the University of Sherbrooke (1973-1985) and then at McGill University (1985-1993). Dr. Bounous was awarded the 1965 medal of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. He pioneered the use of elemental diets in the prophylaxis and treatment of intestinal lesions associated with shock, intestinal ischemia, radiation, cancer chemotherapy and Crohn’s disease. In 1968, he was named Career Investigator of the Medical Research Council, an award that was reconfirmed until 1993, the year of his retirement from McGill University. In 1978, Dr. Bounous initiated a novel research program in conjunction with colleagues from the McGill University Faculty of Medicine to search for a dietary protein source that would boost the immune system. Their research led to the isolation and preparation of an undenatured milk concentrate that helps to sustain normal glutathione levels and a strong immune system. Subsequent identification of the active ingredients present in this protein mixture led to the development of a high-quality bioactive material given the name and trademark Immunocal® in 1993. In addition to being honored as a Career Investigator of the Canadian Research Council, Dr. Bounous is a recipient of the Medal of Royal College of Physicians and a lifetime member of the Research Council of Canada.
IMMUNOCAL速 - PRODUCT INFORMATION In 1978, Dr. Bounous initiated a novel research program in conjunction with colleagues from the McGill University Faculty of Medicine to search for a dietary protein source that would boost the immune system. Their research led to the isolation and preparation of an undenatured milk concentrate that helps to sustain normal glutathione levels and a strong immune system. Subsequent identification of the active ingredients present in this protein mixture led to the development of a high-quality bioactive material given the name and trademark Immunocal速 in 1993. Immunocal is a patented natural dietary supplement that is over 90% pure protein and has a biological value higher than any other protein supplement or food available. (The term "biological value" (BV) is a ranking of important edible proteins in your body.) Taken daily, Immunocal will raise the body's concentration of glutathione, a molecule referred to as "The Body's Most Important Protector". Glutathione is the body's own health "AID to Energy" - Antioxidant, Immune Booster, Detoxifier and Energy enhancer. This small protein, produced naturally in the body, supports these four crucial functions. In fact, your life depends upon glutathione. Without it, your cells would disintegrate from unrestrained oxidation, your body would have little resistance to bacteria, viruses and cancer, and your liver would cease functioning from the accumulation of toxins. Immunocal is not just any whey protein product. This patented isolate from whey is specially prepared to provide a rich source of bioavailable cysteine. Following digestion, the cysteine remains as the stable form cystine (two molecules of cysteine linked by a disulfide bond) and glutamy1cystine. In common processing, these molecules are destroyed, causing the cysteine availability to be greatly decreased, preventing the product from having the desired effect. Immunocal has been extensively studied to effectively deliver cysteine and naturally boost glutathione levels.
Immunotec Company Facts James A. Northrop, President & CEO
♦ Seasoned chief executive with a record of success in rapid growth situations. ♦ He is passionate about the products and business opportunity at Immunotec. ♦ His approach is to work closely with the Field and Home Office teams to develop the Immunotec business through organic growth of our customer base and Distributor network Chuck Roberts, Co-Founder
♦ Mr. Roberts is the Co-founder of Immunotec. ♦ In 1996, his company joined forces with Immunotec Research Corp., a company with 10 years of expertise in research on health promoting products, to form Immunotec. ♦ Mr. Roberts started Descente Canada, which went on to become the supplier of sports gear to high profile sports teams such as the American, Canadian, Swiss, and Spanish Olympic ski teams. Dieter Beer, Co-Founder
♦ Mr. Beer founded Immunotec Research Corp. with Dr. Gustavo Bounous and a team of medical researchers from McGill University in 1988. ♦ In 1996, Immunotec Research Corp. merged with Mr. Roberts’ company to form Immunotec. ♦ Earlier in his career, as the exclusive agent and importer of leading electronics brands, he commercialized his own line of audio, hi fi and video equipment under the company name TEC. John Molson, Vice-President, Research & Development
♦ As an information interface between the research and medical community and Immunotec Distributors, John Molson makes the science of Immunotec’s products accessible to laypeople.♦John spent six years working in sales and marketing in Canada, the United States and Great Britain with Molson Breweries where he developed a strong commitment to the customer. This commitment, coupled with a deep-rooted conviction about Immunotec’s quality products, is central to his dedication to educating the market about the necessity of effective health supplements.
World-class doctors, scientists, formulators and educators have given their genius and their creative discipline to the growth of the Immunotec science foundation and creative brain trust. Gustavo Bounous, MD, Director, Research & Development
♦Discovered Immunocal®. The studies he started in 1978 on the discovery and development of a dietary protein source from whey concentrate have become the standard by which all other whey products are measured.♦Honored as a Career Investigator of the Canadian Research Council , Recipient of the Medal of Royal College of Physicians, Lifetime member of the Research Council of Canada. Dr. Wulf Dröge, Ph.D., Senior V.P., Research & Development
♦ World-renowned scientist with more than forty years in basic and clinical research. ♦ Published over 288 times in peer-reviewed publications♦After postdoctoral fellowships at the Max Planck Institute and Harvard University, Dr. Dröge has spent 3 years as a scientific member at the renowned Basel Institute of Immunology. ♦ 29 years as professor of cell biology at the University of Heidelberg and head of a department at the National Cancer Research Center of Germany (Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum). ♦ He continues to write scientific articles and gives lectures at McGill University
Solid Financial Backing! Due to Immunotec’s proven history , strong ‘point of difference’, and solid business and medical foundations, one of the world’s leading investment banks, La Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, invested $9 million and acquired a 15% stake in Immunotec in 2006. La Caisse de dépôt recognizes that Immunotec is ready for explosive growth.
Mission To convey the broad spectrum of benefits of our cornerstone product Immunocal in helping human beings to achieve wellness, while providing a significant business opportunity to those individuals who build a distributor and customer base to achieve this goal.
Vision Immunotec is the leader in the immune segment of the wellness industry and is THE science-based company for wellness products. the broad spectrum of benefits of our cornerstone product Immunocal in helping human beings to achieve wellness, while providing a significant business opportunity to those individuals who build a distributor and customer base to achieve this goal.