Study Suggests that Tocotrienol has a Common Cancer-Killing Mechanism for Different Cancer Types

Latest research demonstrates tocotrienol's potency against prostate cancer

SINGAPORE, April 9, 2010 - Researchers from Davos Life Science in Singapore, in collaboration with
scientists at the University of Hong Kong, have shown that gamma-tocotrienol,
a member of the vitamin E family, is potent in killing prostate tumour cells
in animal model studies. This research was reported this week in the latest
edition of Pharmacology. These findings come soon after previously published
research studies that demonstrated in-vitro evidence of gamma-tocotrienol's
cancer-killing capability for breast cancer and melanoma cells.

In this latest study, immuno-compromised mice with human-grafted prostate
tumours were given two weeks' dosing of gamma-tocotrienol. Researchers saw
that gamma-tocotrienol was selectively deposited in solid tumours, and this
led to over 50% tumour shrinkage. Linked to this tumour shrinkage ability,
gamma-tocotrienol showed two effects associated with the killing of cancer
cells. Firstly, there was a decrease in the expression of two cell proteins
(PCNA and Ki67) associated with cell proliferation(1). Secondly, there was
the activation of cellular processes called caspase cascades that are
associated with programmed cell death. These inhibitive properties have been
previously reported in studies investigating the effect of gamma-tocotrienol
on breast cancer and melanoma. Together, these data suggest a common
mechanism by which gamma-tocotrienol is able to reverse the growth of cancer
cells.

This study also found that the anti-tumour effect of gamma-tocotrienol
was mediated by the suppression of the NF-KB cell signaling pathway. NF-KB is
a protein that signals to the cell to produce chemicals that promote the
body's natural inflammation response and cell survival. Over activation of
NF-KB is associated with chronic inflammation. There is emerging evidence
that chronic inflammation contributes to carcinogenesis and the development
of malignancy in various organs, including the prostate, breast and skin.

"Previous studies have established natural tocotrienol as a promising
opportunity for future R&D in cancer therapy and prevention," said Dr. Daniel
Yap, Deputy Head for Tocotrienol R&D, Davos Life Science Singapore, and one
of the authors of the published paper. "This research contributes further
evidence to this cause, showing that natural tocotrienol can potentially
reduce the risks of diseases associated with chronic inflammation, including
certain cancers."

Combining gamma-tocotrienol with other chemotherapy treatments

The inhibition of tumour growth was achieved when used in a combination
treatment of gamma-tocotrienol and Docetaxel (DTX). Currently, DTX is the
first-line chemotherapy treatment in patients with prostate cancer that is
resistant to hormone therapy. However, DTX can only extend the patient's
overall survival by an average of 2-3 months. As the gamma-tocotrienol's
anti-tumour effects were observed using physiologically-relevant doses that
do not negatively affect animal health, this may provide a new treatment
strategy that can improve the therapeutic efficacy of DTX against advanced
stage prostate tumours, while reducing toxicity often seen in patients
treated with DTX.

Gamma-tocotrienol is one of eight forms of vitamin E. It is found in low
levels in food sources such as palm fruits, cereal grains and rice bran. The
amount of gamma-tocotrienol found in palm oil is relatively higher than in
other sources. In previous in-vitro studies, gamma-tocotrienol was shown to
be able to kill prostate, melanoma, breast and pancreatic cancer cells.

Dr. Daniel Yap added, "In addition to this prostate cancer study, we are
also advancing our Phase I clinical trial in the U.S. on pancreatic
cancer.(2) We expect to accelerate our tocotrienol research for the treatment
and prevention of cancers. This latest study is yet another step forward in
identifying potentially-effective naturally derived treatments that might
have applications for cancer patients."

About Davos Life Science

Davos Life Science Pte Ltd was set up in 2004 as a manufacturer that
isolates and purifies natural tocotrienol for use in supplements, functional
food, personal care and pharmaceutical formulations. Davos Life Science
markets its gamma-tocotrienol under the name 'Natural e3'. The company has
established the world's largest R&D centre dedicated to tocotrienol and the
world's largest manufacturing facility for the production of natural
tocotrienol. For more information visit www.davoslife.com.

    (1) The rate of cancer growth depends on proliferative activity and
        tumour cell death rate.
    (2) This is a three-year clinical study, that is being conducted at
        the Moffitt Cancer Centre (US) and will enroll up to 45 patients with
        pancreatic cancer.

    Media enquiries should be directed to:

    Chantal Beaudry
    Russo Partners, LLC
    Phone: +1-212-845-4272
    E-mail: chantal.beaudry@russopartnersllc.com

    Chan Yiu Lin (Ms)
    Greener Grass Communications
    Mobile: +65-9-765-5897
    E-mail: yiulin@greenergrass.com.sg

Chantal Beaudry, Russo Partners, LLC, +1-212-845-4272, chantal.beaudry at russopartnersllc.com, or Chan Yiu Lin (Ms), Greener Grass Communications, +65-9-765-5897, yiulin at greenergrass.com.sg