Arch Therapeutics Announces Positive Safety Results for AC5 Surgical Hemostatic Device(TM) in Preclinical Toxicity Studies

WELLESLEY, MA--(Marketwired - Mar 23, 2015) - Arch Therapeutics, Inc. (OTCQB: ARTH) ("Arch" or the "Company"), developer of the AC5 Surgical Hemostatic Device™ (AC5™) for use in controlling bleeding and fluid loss in order to provide faster and safer surgical and interventional care, obtained additional favorable preclinical data from two (2) planned standardized medical device safety studies in which AC5 was assessed for toxicity to cells and for contamination from pyrogens (toxins that cause fever) produced by bacterial cells. The tests are major components of the panel of biocompatibility testing that medical devices must typically complete successfully prior to use in humans.

In the cytotoxicity test, which is an in vitro study that assesses AC5 for toxicity to cells using cell cultures, AC5 tested in clinically relevant amounts was found to be non-toxic to cells (non-cytotoxic).

In the pyrogenicity test, which is an in vitro study that assesses AC5 for the presence of pyrogens, AC5 tested in clinically relevant amounts was found to be non-pyrogenic, which is a desirable characteristic. Pyrogens, also known as bacterial endotoxins, are certain toxins made by bacteria. A product that were to contain sufficient amounts of pyrogen or other cell-toxins could trigger immune responses with the potential for tissue damage and significant harm to patients.

The tests were conducted under guidelines provided by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI).

Arch Therapeutics President and CEO Terrence Norchi, MD, stated, "The favorable results demonstrated in these safety tests represent additional important milestones in the development of AC5 for planned use in humans. We continue to be pleased with the data generated, which continues to support a desirable safety profile for AC5."

About Arch Therapeutics, Inc.
Arch Therapeutics, Inc. is a medical device company developing a novel approach to stop bleeding (hemostasis) and control leaking (sealant) during surgery and trauma care. Arch is developing products based on an innovative self-assembling peptide technology platform to make surgery and interventional care faster and safer for patients. Arch's flagship development stage product candidate, known as the AC5 Surgical Hemostatic Device, is being designed to achieve hemostasis in minimally invasive and open surgical procedures.

Find out more at www.archtherapeutics.com.

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On Behalf of the Board,
Terrence W. Norchi, MD
Arch Therapeutics, Inc.