Stellar’s Uracyst praised at urology conference

A leading Canadian urologist and researcher gave a positive presentation of Stellar Pharmaceuticals’ Uracyst drug at an American Urology Association conference in Montreal last week, citing results of two studies that showed improved symptoms in patients with interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS).

Dr. Curtis Nickel of Queen’s University said a “larger multi-centre, placebo controlled study is now underway in the United States, which hopefully will confirm our preliminary findings.”  Stellar (OTCBB:SLXCF) entered into a U.S. development and commercialization deal for Uracyst with Watson Pharmaceuticals in late 2006, and it’s Watson that is conducting the trial.

In a press statement, Peter Riehl, president and CEO of London, Ont.-based Stellar, said  Dr. Nickel’s results, while subject to confirmation in the larger clinical study, point to Uracyst as being “one of the most effective treatments for IC/PBS, a very debilitating disease that is difficult for physicians to effectively treat.”

As clinical evidence of Uracyst’s efficacy continues to mount, “we are confident that awareness and acceptance of the treatment amongst American urologists will lead to rapid adoption of the product once it achieves U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval,” Mr. Riehl added.

The stock recently changed hands at $0.79 (a 52-week high) on Thursday.