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PRESS RELEASES ADVENTRX Pharmaceuticals Expands Preclinical Testing of second generation HIV Viral Entry Inhibitor BlockAide/VP™ Disrupts HIV Binding to Immune System Cells SAN DIEGO, PRNewswire – FirstCall – October 2, 2003 – ADVENTRX Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: AVRX) announced today that it has expanded its internal development efforts for BlockAide/VP, a viral entry inhibitor for treatment of HIV/AIDS. "We are studying BlockAide/VP in a series of viral inhibition assays to further document the in vitro potency of this new antiviral agent", said Dr. Joan Robbins, ADVENTRX' Chief Technical Officer. "BlockAide/VP is designed to be a target for the gp-120 protein of HIV by tricking the virus into thinking it has come into contact with the CD4 receptor. We believe this drug will be complementary to BlockAide/CR™, our viral entry inhibitor that binds to GSL (glycosphingolipids) on the surface of immune system cells after HIV has successfully bound to CD4. Tandem use of these two drugs has shown an additive effect on HIV inhibition in initial in vitro assays." BlockAide/VP is a simple to manufacture, four amino acid peptide that is designed to mimic a section of the CD4 receptor of immune system cells. When BlockAide/VP comes into contact with gp-120 protein on the surface of HIV, it appears to cause a change in the protein-binding configuration of gp-120, rendering gp-120 unable to bind the CD4 receptor on immune system cells. To learn more about BlockAide/VP and ADVENTRX' other HIV drugs, visit the Company's new website at www.adventrx.com. 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 CEOCast, Inc. for ADVENTRX Pharmaceuticals Ken Sgro, 212/732-4300 Fax: 212/732-1131 kensgro@ceocast.com |
