Idera Pharmaceuticals Presents Data From Study Of Toll-Like Receptor Antagonist In Preclinical Model Of Multiple Sclerosis

Main Category: Multiple Sclerosis
Article Date: 21 Apr 2008 - 1:00 PDT

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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.
v "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.