Just wondering if anyone has any information on this product. It looks like it could be a good product and is already almost done with phase 1 of clinical trials. Just dont know much about the method or company. thanks. looking for anything thats better and more permanent than the current methods which suck

sorry the website is

www.questpharmatech.com

Could you give us a synopsis of what product this company makes that you are referring to?

Sorry I was referring to the compound SL-017 and its use it cosmetic hair removal. It is already in clinical trials and it says it has recieved seven of the ten patients (whatever that means) anyways i was just wondering if these is a new and probable technology. or if these is just another version of something that is already out there and obviously doesnt work

I thought maybe this product might be rival technology to Sirna Dermatology's investigation into an RNA interfering product called Trichozyme. Trichozyme would be applied directly to the skin and the medicine would reach the bottom of the hair and interfer with the protein production which is necessary for causing hair growth.

Here's what they wrote:


"Quest PharmaTech Inc. Receives Health Canada Clearance
Quest PharmaTech Inc. (Edmonton) announced that its contract research partner, Innovaderm Inc. has received clearance from the Therapeutic Products Directorate of Health Canada to initiate a Phase I clinical trial to investigate the topical application of its lead photodynamic therapy (PDT) compound SL017 as a treatment for acne and also for the removal of unwanted hair. The Principal Investigator for the trial is Dr. Robert Bissonnette MD. This planned study will be in addition to the Phase I clinical trial of ACP-SL017 for photodynamic therapy of Actinic Keratosis ("AK"), which is currently underway at the University of Alberta, with Dr. Jaggi Rao as the Principal Investigator. The results from this trial are expected to be available in Q1 of this year."

This is light therapy plus topical medication?? You could e-mail the company for clarification. I'm aware of Sirna's efforts, but not familiar with this. Sorry. If there are some hairy researchers types that read hairtell, please help out if you can.

Dee

This is light therapy of a certain wavelength that is activated when the light hits the chemical. I believe that PhotoDerm in Europe is working on something possibly similar.

These new treatments (Quest, Sirna etc)are coming out not so much to rid the world of hair (although they do hope to capture a large part of the market)...a lot of this research is proof of concept for other therapies, such as cancer, huntingtons disease etc.

Heres the newest post they put on they put on there website. The only question I have is that they intend to use it for dark hair individuals right? It never really says and mentions light hair and hair that has already been put through laser treatment. thanks

http://micro.newswire.ca/release.cgi?rkey=1406205051&view=43406-0&Start=0

The gel that they use is transfered into folicile and the light works together with the gel at the follicical level so it's not collor dependant which sounds great. I emailed the Doctor and this is what I got:
"Thank you very much for your interest in our hair removal product under development. We need to wait for one more trial, which is anticipated to be completed by the first quarter of next year, before taking steps to launch the product for sale. Meanwhile, we believe our product is superior to laser hair removal for the reasons outlined in our news release. Although, it is yet to be determined, we anticipate using our product only once to remove the unwanted hair in a setting wherever appropriate light sources are available. Also, it is possible to sell the product directly to the consumers. However, it will take some more development at the light source level"

I hope it actaully kills the hair. Just like electrolisys for it to be effective the needle needs to touch follicile. So if that gel is capable of reaching the root of hair and use a light source to activate the get to kill the root than their theory sound very believable. I know what most laser techs and electrologist are going to say but I Think it may be superior to laser

Like everything else, there will always be advances over other treatments. Modern medicine is constantly evolving, so some treatments will fall to the wayside as new technology comes about.

I thought that they were just starting trials, but if they are this far along they must have some good results if they are talking about releasing it to the public by next year, or the year after.

http://micro.newswire.ca/release.cgi?rkey=1409272537&view=43406-0&Start=0


Heres the latest news from questpharmatech. They are selling the marketing rights in Asia for their hair removal product. They still are unsure of the capability of their product. But this means that actual people outside of the company see something in their product. Hopefully they are right and they hurry the crap up haha.

Hi,
I have been e-mailing the company on their product and so far have received some mixed responses. The first reply was that they hoped to produce a product which DELAYED the hair regrowth in comparison to shaving or depilliary products.
Obviously this is clearly not the permanent solution we all seek.

I wrote back stating that I was confused and thought they were trying to develop a product more effective than laser, not mere shaving and depilliaries!
The reply to that was more along the lines with what has already been discussed in the thread (possible one treatment, use on all skin types, better efficiency than laser, etc).

However with the mixed response from the same doctor I have to say I have lost a bit of confidence in the company. You would think that they would know if they were clearly on the verge of a major breakthrough in the area, and it is still very much a penny stock on the TSX.

But I haven't lost all hope. The Asian sale does seem to indicate that there is some positive interest in the product. I guess we should just listen closely to their clinical trial results, due early next year I think.

I have tried contacting these guys as well: http://www.photoderma.com/

They seem to be developing a similar product (stating a release in late 2007!) but aren't answering any e-mails. Again, seems a little shady. :-(

As it stands I really believe that Sirna offers the best hope of developing the magic cream we all await.

http://www.sirna.com/wt/page/product_pipeline

With the quality of researchers at Sirna and the fact that they are a much bigger firm (stock currently over $7.00, and up significantly this year) I think they are in the best position to really deliver.

But hopefully Quest and Photoderma might be able to come up with something better in the meantime, as Sirna looks to be some 3 or more years away from a marketable product.

All up to the scientists really!

Cheers...Eddy

Eddy,

I also tried to contact them as well with no response. I think you will find the same with Sirna though. I think sometimes the only way to get a straight answer is to call them up.

I think that a product that delays the growth of hair that works better than shaving or depillatories could still be a good option for home use.

As for Sirna, we are in the 4th Quarter of 06 and nothing has yet been announced. I've read different sources that say Sirna may be announcing something big in the coming weeks. That may be one of the reasons the price of the stock has increased a bit over that last few weeks. This doesn't mean though it has anything to do with their hairless treatment, it could be a new partnership or news from one of their other studies.

This is something else I read on a forum, so take it with a grain of salt. Someone was talking about an individual they knew that has macular degeneration. This person could no longer drive, but they were one to take part in the AMD trials through Sirna. She has since been cleared to drive again by her doctor.

Translate that in to a much simpler delivery for hair removal and I think things could turn out well. We are also not talking about a treatment that needs to be inhaled, swallowed or injected so the definitely helps speed up FDA approval.

If you end up hearing from either of the other two companies or if you call them, let us all know.

jme

Hi again,

Yes I have been noticing the recent climb in the Sirna stock as was considering a buy a few months ago when they were at $4.50, wish I had, as are above $7.00 now.
So it does make you wonder if they are set to make a big announcement, but I believe it will be in one of their other areas if so.
I have been listening online to some of the science conferences that Sirna has been presenting at and they have failed to bring up their hairless product in any of them. I think their main focus at this point is their MDG product (as they have a large partnership with Allergan there).

I do agree with you that success in an area as complex as the human eye will hopefully translate into quicker progress on their hairless product. However I also feel that scientists would rather be working on products that save lives rather then merely improving dermalogical "cosmetic" conditions (as much as these conditions do effect our daily lives). But perhaps this is why they choose not to mention it at the science conferences, as it is not exactly life saving science at work.

However a breakthrough in the hairless product will translate into substantial profits which will be able to fund their other areas of research, and I am sure this is what they have in mind.

According to their thereaputic pipeline an announcment on either their hairless product or Hepititis C product should be due in the fourth quarter this year...so could be either of these I suppose.

As always, just have to wait and see.
I'll keep you updated if I hear anymore.

Cheers....Eddy

Just thinking a little more on this issue and always have these conspiracy theories swirling around in my head so forgive me if this sounds crazy.

Obviously it is a little early yet but say Sirna or Quest is getting very close to a "magic bullet" product. One would think that the big boys like Gillette (aka Procter and Gamble) might see this and fear serious bites taken out of their shaving cream and razor markets (am not saying that the demand for razors will ever disappear but if Sirna were to say come out with a magic cream that was cheap and easy to use in permanently removing hair, what woman in her right mind wouldn't use it on her legs, underarms, etc to avoid the sometimes daily chore of shaving?)...Profits would fall substantially if this were the case.

So as far as I can see Procter and Gamble might have two options here:

1. Partner up with Sirna/Quest to assist in funding/developing/marketing the new product in return for royalties on sales. Still profits from their razor/shaving cream divisions will go down as less are demanded, factories close, and P&G employees lose jobs.
In addition sales of the magic cream while at first would be lucrative would eventually taper off as more and more ppl get "their fix" and no longer need it. Of course there will be new adolesants entering the market all the time, to keep up a steady demand for the product, but this is nothing when compared to the levels of demand for razors and shaving cream which ppl need to use throughout their whole lives.

OR

2. Using the billions of dollars at their disposal to buy the patent/rights to sell the product from Sirna/Quest, and bury the product preventing its release...keeping their stranglehold on the shaving/razor market where it is (very healthy at the moment, have you seen the cost of Mach 3 blades!?!). Using confidentiality agreements to keep it all tightly under wraps and forcing the public to continue their lifelong addiction to razors/sharving creams.

Which do you think they would choose? I'm hoping scenario 1 but have no idea how huge corporations operate when threatened. I would feel sorry for those who might lose out, but this is inevitable as we strive for new and better technologies in replacing the old. Surely scenario 1 is better for the advancement of society.

What do you think?

I'm not one to believe in the conspiracy theories. I would think even if a company like Gillette was looking at this technology, I don't think that they would bury it.

I'm not sure what the cost of Sirna's product is going to be, but I have to assume it's going to be expensive. Possibly more expensive than what an individual would pay for a life time of razors. Many men may choose never to use this on their face to get rid of their beards, so I don't think they would lose that market. They probably would gain since more men and women who have used no hair removal methods for certain areas of their body may now make use of this product.

lol this one seems like its gonna b out pretty soon ahy. i went on the website it says market end of 07..
thing is though on the site it says that its "suitable for fine vellus hair"
doesnt sound as promising as siRNA.. lets just hope that these things get a move on with it.. seems like theres a light at the end of the tunnel ppl. peace

Newbie,

When it says that it is suitable for fine vellus hair, it means that it will be effective against fine hair which is something laser is not able to easily treat. I believe that it will be able to treat the coarse hair similarly to laser.

There has been some talk on whether this is "permanent" or "long-lasting." They haven't really given a definitive answer on that.

Whether it's Quest, SIRNA or whoever...any progress and work in this field is a good thing. The idea of not getting zapped by a laser or poked by a needle appeals to just about everyone I think. Hopefully that time is coming soon.

Anyone hear any more on this?

I found this. This doesn't appear to be Photoderma since this one is in Germany. It sounds similar to Quest though.

http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct/gui/show/NCT00371930?order=1

Looks like they will be taking patients in the future for trials.

Certainly seems to be a lot of work going on along these lines (ie. topical application then activation via light source) with new researchers popping up everyday.
Let's hope we see a breakthrough soon.

I ended up writing Quest last night to find out any new developments. I asked when they expected this product to make it to the general public and also whether or not they knew if this would be a temporary, long-lasting method or permanent.

They wrote me back today and said that they are in the process of initiating another clinical trial which should answer the questions I inquired about. The trial is anticipated for the middle of 2007.

Hmm looks like PhotoDerma will beat them to the punch then, as both companies seem to be working on the same product. PhotoDerma continues to say they will have a product ready by the end of 2007 on their website however this hasn't been updated in some time and we still don't know if PhotoDerma expects to have a product capable of permanent removal.
Waiting, waiting, waiting

Everyone is entitled to their opinion when it comes to matters like this, but it's almost as bad as people believing the government has a cure for cancer or AIDS and is just keeping it away from the public. Doesn't work that way.

If Gilette really wanted to keep people away from hair removal solutions other than shaving, they would have bought up all the patents to laser or vaniqa. They certainly would have bought out little Sirna before Merck if they were concerned, or better yet Skinetics before the "secret" got out.

I don't believe anyone thinks this is going to be a product that is going to be something cheap you get over the counter. Sirna already stated it would be administered by a physician.

Baron,

I agree with you that a company who creates a product such as permanent hair removal is going to manufacture it in such a way as to bring them the greatest profits possible. Therefore, they would benefit from physician administered or multiple sessions required, etc... However I dont think you have any clue over what a free market stands for. A free market does not allow the formation of monopolies that can control and push their influence on other companies in order to manipulate the market. There is a huge system of checks and balances which prevents this. Now one can argue they could buy the product and then destroy it themselves. However I have already described on this website how it would not be beneficial for a company such as sirna to sell such a product to company that will not use it. This is due to the fact that a major portion of thier profit from such a sell would come from royalties and milestones in furture usage. I think the sell of Sirna Inc to Merck is a perfect example of how people are interested in permanent hair removal and how companies like gillete cannot not stop it because there are companies that have close to or has much money as proctor and gamble (owner of gillette) who are interested in bringing a product like this to the market because the demand is high enough.

I am tired of people thinking of conspiracy theories, lets focus on creating a product that actually works before we start shouting out conspiracy theories.

A free market allows companies to sell whatever product they feel the market has a high demand for. I think this is proven by the amount of companies that have jumped into the race to create a permanent hair removal product.

Amen,Mack! Well said.

"Quest PharmaTech Strengthens its Patent Protection for SonoLight Technology"

http://micro.newswire.ca/release.cgi?rkey=1412053457&view=43406-0&Start=0

This from a December 5th news announcement on Quest's website. It seems Quest is applying for 8 patents with 6 of these patents being directed for their "Sonolight Technology."

This includes treatment for prostrate cancer, acne, as well as hair removal. Perhaps Quest sees much success in their trials so they are making sure that intellectual property remains theirs.

good news on www.questpharmatech.com

Here's the fullview of this news release about SLO17 Topical Gel. Thanks for the information.


"Quest PharmaTech Initiates a Fifty Patient Pivotal Clinical Trial for Cosmetic Hair Removal Applications
Trading Symbol: QPT: TSX Venture Exchange

- SL017 Receives Health Canada Clearance -

EDMONTON, Jan. 9 /CNW/ - Quest PharmaTech Inc. ("Quest" or the "Company")
is pleased to announce that it has received clearance from the Therapeutic
Products Directorate of Health Canada to initiate a Fifty Patient clinical
trial to investigate the appropriate light dose to be used with the topical
gel for cosmetic hair removal applications of its lead photodynamic therapy
(PDT) compound SL017. The Principal Investigator for the trial is Dr. Robert
Bissonnette, M.D., President of Innovaderm Research in Montreal. Innovaderm
has already received necessary ethics committee approval to recruit patients
for this trial. The trial is anticipated to be completed in six months.
Quest has already completed a Phase I study for the assessment of
histological localization of SL017 Topical Gel in hair follicles. The Phase I
study results demonstrated that the product is well tolerated with
preferential localization of the drug in hair follicles.


Note***The current trial is designed to study the combination of SL017 Topical Gel with Intense Pulse
Light for hair removal.***


Permanent removal of unwanted hair remains a considerable therapeutic
challenge. Over the past few years, new technologies have emerged for hair
removal. One of them is photo-epilation. This technology is based on laser and
other light sources emitting in red and/or near-infrared wavelength regions.


NOTE*****Although these techniques have been shown to induce permanent hair reduction,
a series of 4-8 sessions, and sometimes more, are required. In addition, this
will only achieve a 75%-85% permanent hair reduction and the use of another
technique, such as electrolysis is often necessary after the laser or Intense
Pulse Light treatment. Another main limitation of light based hair removal is
the inability to reduce the number of blond, red or white hairs.*****

The use of SL017 that localizes in the hair follicle has the potential to overcome these
limitations and enhance the effectiveness of photo-epilation.
Quest's strategy is to market SL017 to Asian and Canadian consumers as an
"aid for hair removal with an approved light based depilatory system". The
Company is in the process of registering SL017 as a cosmetic ingredient with
International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredient. The Company is also
developing an 'over the counter' light delivery system that will expand the
market potential of SL017. In September 2006, Quest reached an agreement with
KMH Co., Ltd. of Korea to distribute SL017 in Asia for cosmetic hair removal.
The Company is seeking strategic partners for SL017 for North America and
Europe.

About Quest PharmaTech Inc.

The Corporation is a publicly traded (TSX Venture Exchange: QPT),
Alberta-based drug development company committed to the development and
commercialization of new pharmaceutical products. It is developing a series of
products for the treatment of cancer and dermatological conditions based on
its unique photodynamic and sonodynamic therapy platform.

Note: ****Except for historical information, this press release may contain
forward-looking statements, which reflect the Company's current expectation
regarding future events. These forward-looking statements involve risk and
uncertainties, which may cause but are not limited to, changing market
conditions, the successful and timely completion of clinical studies, the
establishment of corporate alliances, the impact of competitive products and
pricing, new product development, uncertainties related to the regulatory
approval process and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's
ongoing quarterly and annual reporting.

"TSX Venture Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved of the
information contained herein."

%SEDAR: 00008400E


For further information: Dr. Madi R. Madiyalakan, CEO, Tel.: (780)
448-1400 (Ext. 204), madi@questpharmatech.com, Web site:
www.questpharmatech.com

hey say that it will be marketed to consumers from canada and Asia. Is it because Canada doesn't require to have III phase trials to market the product unlike United States?

That's definitely some good news. In 6 months we should have a good idea how well this treatment will work.

I emailed them asking how long do they think it would take to market this product to consumers. They said they are targeting 2008. WOW:) If everything goes as planned we can have superior hair removal in a year or two. Fingers crossed!!

thanks for that hairyb.

Here is a small write up on Quest's phase I clinical trial for hair removal. It doesn't give any results but it "compares" their method with laser.

http://www.questpharmatech.com/sl017.htm

Anybody know for sure if the Quest clinical trials have started yet? They said six months right? Anyone know when their results will be stated?

Yes Eddy,

Trials have started. They will conclude by June they said. I tried writing them before trials started and they replied when the second trial would begin and end. I wrote them again but never got another response.

A little bit of new information that shows progress of the SL017 compound from Quest.

http://micro.newswire.ca/release.cgi?rkey=1503056628&view=43406-0&Start=0

Quest PharmaTech Closes `Over-Subscribed' Private Placement
Trading Symbol: QPT: TSX Venture Exchange

- $960,000 in equity financing

EDMONTON, March 5 /CNW/ - Quest PharmaTech Inc. ("Quest" or the "Company") announces that further to its January 24, 2007 news release, and subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval, the Company has closed its non-brokered private placement with the sale of 9,600,000 units ("Units") for gross proceeds of $960,000, including $165,000 raised from insiders of the
Company. Originally, the Company expected to raise $800,000 (including $300,000 from our strategic partner KMH Co., Ltd.) through the sale of 8,000,000 units. However, due to an increase in demand, the Company has increased the size of the private placement. The Company still anticipates receiving an additional $1,300,000 of equity investment from KMH Co. Ltd. upon
reaching certain milestones related to commercialization of SL017 for hair removal applications.
The Company is pleased to announce that it has already achieved one such milestone by successfully registering SL017 as a cosmetic ingredient with the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredient as well as with the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association. In addition, the Company has registered SL017 in Canada as a new substance to allow import/export of the
chemical.
The Units under the current private placement were sold at a price of $0.10 per Unit. Each Unit consisted of one common share of the Corporation ("Common Share") and one-half of one non-transferable share purchase warrant ("Warrant"). Each whole Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one additional Common Share at a price of $0.20. The warrants will expire 12 months from the date of issue.
The Units were issued to qualified purchasers in Alberta, British Columbia and outside of Canada in reliance upon exemptions from the applicable registration and prospectus requirements of securities legislation. The Common Shares and Warrants comprising the Units and the Common Shares issued upon
exercise of the Warrants are subject to a restricted period which expires 4 months from the date of issuance of the Units. The funds raised will be used for general corporate purposes over the coming 6 months including completion of the ongoing 50 patient hair removal clinical trial in Canada.
"I am very pleased with the overwhelming response we received for this round of equity financing. In addition, I am excited to welcome new investors into the Company including a few from Europe" said Dr. Madi R. Madiyalakan, CEO of the Company.

About Quest PharmaTech Inc.

The Corporation is a publicly traded (TSX Venture Exchange: QPT), Alberta-based drug development company committed to the development and commercialization of new pharmaceutical products. It is developing a series of products for the treatment of cancer and dermatological conditions based on
its unique photodynamic and sonodynamic therapy platform.

Except for historical information, this press release may contain forward-looking statements, which reflect the Company's current expectation regarding future events. These forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainties, which may cause but are not limited to, changing market conditions, the successful and timely completion of clinical studies, the
establishment of corporate alliances, the impact of competitive products and pricing, new product development, uncertainties related to the regulatory approval process and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's ongoing quarterly and annual reporting.

"TSX Venture Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved of the information contained herein."

%SEDAR: 00008400E

Can you explain what SL017 means? Is that the permanent hair removal topical?

Can you break all this down into 5th grade terms? It sounds like they are coming up with some venture capital to move ahead on these ideas? Yes? No?

Hi Dee,

Yes, SL017 is the topical that contains a certain which contains a derivitive of Hypocrellin B. This chemical actually comes from a fungi that is parasitic to bamboo.

Anyway, this pigment has been found to react under certain wavelengths of light. It is a photosensitizer. I believe that Quest first started looking at this pigment as a treatment for acne. It was their hope the treatment would migrate to the subaceous glands. Once there a light treatment would destroy the bacteria found in the subaceous glands that are causing the acne outbreak. However, they found the treatment did not migrate to the subaceous glands, rather it migrated to the hair follicle (approximately 30 minutes after 30 minutes after application). The pigment does not remain in the epidermis or dermis and it is quickly broken down so there any side effects are nil.

To answer the second part of your question...yes, they are looking to raise capital to continue their trials. They are a publicly traded company so it would basically be the same as offering more stock to the general public.

Thank you jme. That all sounds vey exciting.

Dee

Hi,

here are some more links on PDT I found surfing the Internet.

http://www.emedicine.com/derm/topic562.htm

http://www.skinandlasers.com/asp/UpLoad/publication/TreatmentofNonpigmentedHairs.pdf

http://www.freshpatents.com/Methods-and-...20050215524.php

Thanks Jeff...

It sounds like a lot of research has been going on with PDT. After reading the third link, I believe that Quest Pharmatech has done a lot with PDT retention, so that probably won't be an issue.

I dunno Jme, this is the first I have heard about PDT retention but these articles often seem to be referring to ALA (Aminolevulinic acid). Quest is not using this acid as a photosenitiser (they are using Hypocrellin- parasitic fungus on bambo) so perhaps this doesn't have the same issues with PDT retention?
I suppose there will be side effects with everything though. Hopefully those participating in the clinical trails aren't harmed.

Eddy,

This newer generation of PDT photosensitizer is "95% metabolized and cleared from the body within 24 hours, freeing patients from the need to hide from the sun for weeks after treatment."

This is dealing with cancer treatment but these newer compounds would also relate to those used in hair removal (Quest).

http://www.nextgenerationpdt.com/store/default.pl

Eddy & JME1,

You are right, Quest isn't using ALA, they use another compound like you both suggested. Here is another Quest patent which partly deals with hair removal.

Patent:

http://v3.espacenet.com/textdoc?DB=EPODOC&IDX=WO2007016762&F=0


Has anyone a clue what this could be??

http://www.cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/ne...sutism-naturals

Sounds like Kalo stuff

Well for anyone who is interested Quest stock has been up over 100% in the last three days so maybe there will be good news on the clinical trials (results due in June?). Although they did just issue a press release regarding their prostate cancer drug so maybe it has more to do with that? Anyways they have a bit more funding now to continue their research!

I hoping an answer is on the horizon!

Thanks again, Eddy.

There is some more news on their webpage's news section today.

This is a good sign. Click link...

http://micro.newswire.ca/release.cgi?rkey=1505107429&view=43406-0&Start=0

It seems that they are selling stock with regards to the SL017 compound. Companies generally do this to generate revenue for a project. It will also allow them to collect royalties in the Asian market when this compound is released. Their partner KMH in Korea is doing clinical trials and will register SL017 as a cosmetic product according to this article.

I think all of these are good signs. We should know more once Quest completes and reports their findings in June from their second set of clinical trials

http://micro.newswire.ca/release.cgi?rkey=1505148560&view=43406-0&Start=0

I don't think they would release this news and make such an agreement if the clinical trial II wasn't a success.