STUDY TO FOCUS ON CHELATION THERAPY

Released on May 18, 1995

Health Minister Lorne Calvert today announced a commitment to support a
clinical trial to determine if chelation therapy is a viable treatment
for certain forms of heart disease.

Chelation therapy involves a chemical known as EDTA (ethylenediamine
tetra acetic acid) being dripped intravenously into a patient's
bloodstream. The treatment is said to remove plaque from, and reverse
hardening of, the arteries.

Dr. Merril Knudtson, a University of Calgary medical researcher and
cardiologist at the Foothills Hospital, will conduct an Alberta-based
study involving about 130 people with heart disease over a two year
period.

Saskatchewan Health officials are working with Dr. Knudtson, the Regina
Health District, and Regina-based cardiologists to establish a
Saskatchewan site and Saskatchewan-based clinical trial.

"Adding a Saskatchewan site to the study will increase the size of the
test group and the accuracy of the study," said Dr. Knudtson.

The study will compare one group who will receive chelation treatments
with a control group who will get a placebo.

Chelation treatment is not sanctioned by physician licensing bodies in
Canada. EDTA is currently licensed only for treating people with heavy
metal poisoning.

It is expected that the health protection branch of National Health and
Welfare will support the use of the drug for broader chelation purposes
only in a strictly controlled study.

"A clinical trial under strict criteria and protocols would be welcomed
by the Saskatchewan College of Physicians and Surgeons," said college
registrar Dr. Dennis Kendel.

"A scientific study will assist physicians, patients, the college and
the government in making decisions about its use," Calvert said. "A
Saskatchewan test site is expected to be in place by October, pending
the outcome of further discussions."

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For more information, contact:

Mark Seland
Communications and Public Information
Saskatchewan Health
Regina
Phone: 787-3825