Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: IDRA), announced the presentation of data
from studies evaluating a Toll-Like Receptor (TLR) antagonist in a preclinical
model of multiple sclerosis (MS). The presentation entitled "Studies of
Oligonucleotide-Based Antagonists of TLR9 in a Mouse Model of Experimental
Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis" (Abstract #2049) was made during the 60th Annual
Meeting of the American Academy of Neurology being held in Chicago, IL, April
12-19, 2008. The presentation was made in Session S50: Multiple Sclerosis:
Immunology III.
In the study, one of the Company's proprietary TLR
antagonist candidates was evaluated in a mouse model of experimental
encephalomyelitis, a preclinical model of MS. Treatment with this antagonist
candidate resulted in reductions of disease symptoms, including leg weakness and
inflammatory cell infiltration in and demyelination of the spinal cord.
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"With presentation of the current data, our novel TLR antagonist candidates now
have shown activity in preclinical models of multiple sclerosis, lupus and
rheumatoid arthritis," commented Sudhir Agrawal, D. Phil, Chief Executive
Officer and Chief Scientific Officer. "We are forming an Autoimmune Disease
Scientific Advisory Board to assist us in defining clinical development strategy
in autoimmune diseases. In 2008, we anticipate initiating preclinical studies of
a selected TLR antagonist to support an Investigational New Drug application."
About Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Idera Pharmaceuticals
develops drug candidates to treat infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases,
cancer, and respiratory diseases, and for use as vaccine adjuvants. Our
proprietary drug candidates are designed to modulate specific Toll-like
Receptors, which are a family of immune system receptors that direct immune
system responses. Our pioneering DNA and RNA chemistry expertise enables us to
create drug candidates for internal development and generates opportunities for
multiple collaborative alliances. For more information, visit http://www.iderapharma.com.
Idera Forward Looking
Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements
concerning Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. that involve a number of risks and
uncertainties. For this purpose, any statements contained herein that are not
statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements.
Without limiting the foregoing, the words "believes," "anticipates," "plans,"
"expects," "estimates," "intends," "should," "could," "will," "may," and similar
expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. There are a
number of important factors that could cause Idera's actual results to differ
materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including
whether results obtained in early clinical studies or in preclinical studies
such as the studies referred to above will be indicative of results obtained in
future clinical trials or warrant additional trials; whether products based on
Idera's technology will advance into or through the clinical trial process on a
timely basis or at all and receive approval from the United States Food and Drug
Administration or equivalent foreign regulatory agencies; whether, if the
Company's products receive approval, they will be successfully distributed and
marketed; whether the Company's collaborations with Novartis, Merck & Co.,
and Merck KGaA will be successful; whether the patents and patent applications
owned or licensed by the Company will protect the Company's technology and
prevent others from infringing it; whether Idera's cash resources will be
sufficient to fund the Company's operations; and such other important factors as
are set forth under the caption "Risk Factors" in Idera's Annual Report on Form
10-K filed on March 11, 2008, which important factors are incorporated herein by
reference. Idera disclaims any intention or obligation to update any
forward-looking statements.
Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
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