SAN DIEGO--(BW HealthWire)--May 21, 1998--IDEC Pharmaceuticals
Corporation (Nasdaq:IDPH) today announced the receipt of notices of allowance
for three United States patents and one European patent. The first allowed
United States patent is directed to methods of radioimmunotherapy of B-cell
lymphoma combining the company's approved agent, Rituxan (Rituximab), with the
investigational radiolabeled agent, IDEC-Y2B8. Two additional United States
patents are directed to methods of using anti-gp39 (also known as CD40 ligand)
antibodies to treat multiple sclerosis, to induce T-cell non-responsiveness in
the bone marrow transplant setting and to inhibit graft-versus-host disease.
The allowed European patent is directed broadly to methods using gp39
antagonists to induce T-cell tolerance, which may apply to therapy of
autoimmune disease and prevention of organ transplant rejection.
"The IDEC-Y2B8 and gp39 programs are important elements of the company's
maturing pipeline of products under development," said William R. Rohn, IDEC's
chief operating officer. "IDEC-Y2B8 is in a multi-center Phase III trial in
relapsed or refractory non-Hodgkin's B-cell lymphoma. The allowed patent
directed to IDEC-Y2B8 provides additional protection for our
radioimmunotherapy product." Rohn continued, "Our first anti-gp39 antibody
(IDEC-131) is currently in Phase I clinical testing in systemic lupus
erythematosus (SLE). The developing patent portfolio surrounding the gp39
program may allow the company to pursue studies in multiple indications where
immune cell activation plays a role in mediating disease, including autoimmune
conditions and organ transplantation."
IDEC-Y2B8 radioimmunotherapy is currently being developed as a
complementary product to Rituxan for the treatment of B-cell lymphoma. IDEC
holds worldwide rights to IDEC-Y2B8 and is currently seeking a partner for
European development. IDEC's gp39 program is based on technology licensed from
Dartmouth University and is the focus of a collaboration with Eisai Co. Ltd.
of Japan.
IDEC Pharmaceuticals focuses on the commercialization and development of
targeted therapies for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases. IDEC's
antibody products act chiefly through immune system mechanisms, exerting their
effect by binding to specific, readily targeted immune cells in the patient's
blood or lymphatic systems. IDEC's lead product, Rituxan, has been approved by
the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of relapsed or
refractory, low grade or follicular, CD20-positive B-cell non-Hodgkin's
lymphoma.
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The statements made in this press release contain certain forward-looking
statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual events or
results may differ from the company's expectations. In addition to the matters
described in this press release and the risk factors listed from time to time
in the company's SEC filings, including but not limited to its Annual Report
on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 1997 and the Form 10-Q filed
May 15, 1998, the following factors may affect the actual results achieved by
the company: the scope, enforceability and validity of patents are subject to
complex legal standards that vary from country to country and are subject to
interpretation by administrative agencies and the courts; timelines for
ongoing and future clinical activity are subject to change, results of pending
or future clinical trials cannot be accurately predicted; and decisions by the
FDA and other regulatory agencies, including their determination as to whether
there is sufficient clinical data and compliance with all other requirements
to support product licensure.
Formerly known as IDEC-C2B8, Rituxan (Rituximab) is a trademark, and IDEC
Pharmaceuticals is a registered U.S. trademark of the company. The company
headquarters is located at 11011 Torreyana Road, San Diego, CA 92121.
CONTACT:
IDEC Pharmaceuticals
Connie Matsui, 619/550-8656