Grafoid Inc. and ProScan Rx Pharma Inc. Establish Calevia Inc. to Develop Graphene-based, Non-Invasive Cancer Eradication Therapies


OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Sept. 5, 2013) - Grafoid Inc. announced today the formation of Calevia Inc., a joint venture partnership with ProScan RX Pharma Inc. to develop an entirely new graphene-based nanotechnology platform for the precise targeting and thermal eradication of solid cancer tumors.

Grafoid President and CEO Gary Economo said Calevia's unique targeted photothermal therapy aims to overcome the side effects and strong limitations of common cancer therapies such as surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.

Calevia's co-founders Dr. Claude Vezeau serves as President and CEO, and; Dr. Serge Moffett serves as Vice-President, Research and Development. Dr. Gordon Chiu, B.Sci., M.Sci., f-M.S.T.P., N.D. and Vice-President of Grafoid Inc., serves as co-manager and advisor to the project.

"Calevia sets a clear example to the world how graphene technologies serve humanity," said Mr. Economo. "As a business, the MesoGraf™-based therapy we aim to bring to market leaves us well positioned with the potential to re-define the treatment for tumorous cancers."

Mr. Economo said the Calevia partnership combines ProScan's established cellular antibody targeting technologies with Grafoid's MesoGraf™Xide graphene to eradicate cancerous cells in a non-invasive manner.

Calevia will first target prostate cancer using ProScan's anti-PSMA antibody. The platform will be developed subsequently for several solid tumor types.

Grafoid's MesoGraf™ derivative, MesoGraf™Xide is the latest development in thermal energy generating nanomaterial science that instantly transforms near infrared (NIR) light into heat.

"Grafoid's move into the bio-medical nanotechnology sector is representative of MesoGraf's versatility and its value in terms of its adaptability for use in virtually any industrial sector," said Mr. Economo. "MesoGraf™," he added, "sets the universal standard for graphene."

Dr. Chiu, a Grafoid co-founder said, "MesoGraf™Xide is just the tip of the iceberg of one of many potential derivatives that may result from Grafoid's large sized MesoGraf™ for developing an array of future applications."

"Our development of a partially edge-functionalized MesoGraf™ derivative provides a unique template known as MesoGraf™Xide. It opens the door for Grafoid to introduce a universally disruptive technology to all sectors and it expands our reach into new technology and industrial markets."

Grafoid Inc. has invested in Calevia Inc. and will co-manage the early stage venture. Grafoid is also involved with the arrangement of Calevia's next stage and longer-term financing.

Dr. Vezeau said the combination of cell targeting at the molecular level with MesoGraf™Xide could ultimately redefine the way medicine treats several forms of solid tumors. "That is our goal."

He added that Calevia's targeted photothermal treatment opens the door to an entirely new therapeutic platform that overcomes the deficiencies inherent in traditional therapies.

"Targeting the photothermal ablation of prostate and subsequently, other solid cancers, bridges the gap between conventional therapies and today's nanotechnology revolution," Dr. Vezeau said.

Focal therapy is the focus of significant development by the pharmaceutical industry. Calevia believes that photothermal therapy using heat as the treatment modality represents a very innovative approach to focal cancer treatment.

Dr. Vezeau will be presenting Calevia to the Rodman & Renshaw Global Investment Conference in New York, September 8-10, 2013. www.calevia.com

About Grafoid Inc.

Grafoid Inc. is a privately held Canadian corporation investing in graphene applications and economically scalable production processes for MesoGraf™ - the global standard for graphene - and MesoGraf™Xide its trade mark graphene oxide produced from raw, unprocessed graphite ore. Focus Graphite Inc. (TSX VENTURE:FMS)(OTCQX:FCSMF)(FRANKFURT:FKC) holds a principal interest in Grafoid on behalf of its shareholders.

About ProScanRxPharma Inc.

ProScanRxPharma Inc. is an experienced developer of targeted monoclonal antibodies. ProScan is dedicated to the development of innovative solutions to improve and simplify the clinical management of patients suffering from prostate cancer. It applies modern technologies to develop new molecular tools to provide clinicians and their cancer patients with efficient diagnostic and treatment alternatives. ProScan's products are expected to bring a new wave of solutions to clinicians and patients for the safer and more efficient detection and control of prostate cancer.

Forward Looking Statements - Disclaimer

This news release may contain forward looking statements, being statements which are not historical facts, and discussions of future plans and objectives. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove accurate. Such statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and future events to differ materially from those anticipated or projected.

Contact Information:

Grafoid Inc.
Dr. Gordon Chiu
Vice-President
613-691-1091 ext 104
dr.chiu@grafoid.com
www.grafoid.com