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PRESS RELEASES ADVENTRX Pharmaceuticals Expands HIV Antiviral Platform through development of Thiovir™ Preclinical data suggest viral inhibitor could play a key role in HAART SAN DIEGO, PRNewswire-FirstCall -September 23, 2003 ADVENTRX Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: AVRX) announced today that it has accelerated internal development efforts for Thiovir, an NNRTI (non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor) for treatment of HIV/AIDS. Thiovir is an oral prodrug for foscarnet, which is an FDA approved intravenous treatment for HIV and HIV related opportunistic infections caused by CMV (cytomegalovirus) and HSV (herpes simplex virus). Thiovir has demonstrated in vitro efficacy for HIV, CMV and HSV-8, as well as topical efficacy in an animal model for treatment of HPV (human papillomavirus). The Company believes that Thiovir may offer significant advantages as a component of HAART (highly active antiretroviral therapy) when used in combination with nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors, due to its unique resistance profile, which is consistent with the well-understood resistance profile of foscarnet. It may also demonstrate the added benefit of broader efficacy against opportunistic infections associated with HIV/AIDS. "As a result of our recently completed private placement, we can now expand our HIV program to initiate further testing of Thiovir", said Nicholas J. Virca, CEO of ADVENTRX. "We believe that HAART therapy will continue to play an important role in the control of HIV infection, and that Thiovir can improve this therapy by reducing viral resistance. Thiovir is also complementary to the mode of action of our HIV viral entry inhibitors, BlockAide/CR™ and BlockAide/VP, and our HIV therapeutic vaccine, EradicAide™." Thiovir is protected by five issued patents, which ADVENTRX has licensed from the University of Southern California on an exclusive, worldwide basis. Further information on the Company's product portfolio is available on the Company's new website, located at www.adventrx.com , where investors can view product demonstrations and learn more about ADVENTRX' expanded development programs for HIV and cancer. About ADVENTRX ADVENTRX Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a biopharmaceutical research and development company whose business strategy is to commercialize leading edge medical research through licensing agreements with prominent universities and research institutions. The Company focuses its energy in cancer and antiviral research to launch products that either extend the usefulness of current therapies or replace marginal therapies with new approaches to treatment. This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are made based on management's current expectations and beliefs. Actual results may vary from those currently anticipated based upon a number of factors, including uncertainties inherent in the drug development process, the timing and success of clinical trials, the validity of research results, and the receipt of necessary approvals from the United States Food and Drug Administration. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions, which may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. Contact: ADVENTRX Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Nicholas J. Virca, 858/271-9671 Fax: 858/271-9678 Virca@adventrx.com or CEOcast, Inc. for ADVENTRX Pharmaceuticals Ken Sgro, 212/732-4300 Fax: 212/732-1131 kensgro@ceocast.com |
