Rexahn Pharmaceuticals Receives U.S. Patent For New Cancer Compounds

Main Category: Cancer / Oncology
Also Included In: Pharma Industry / Biotech Industry
Article Date: 22 Jul 2008 - 3:00 PST

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Rexahn Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (AMEX:RNN), a, leader in innovative therapeutics for life-threatening and life-debilitating diseases, today announced that the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office has issued to the Company U.S. Patent 7,388,014, entitled "Quinazoline Derivatives and Therapeutic Use Thereof."

Patent 7,388,014 covers Rexahn's anticancer candidate, RX-0183 and related compounds, and are targeted, small molecule quinazoline analogues that inhibit key molecules such as c-Fos and Akt proteins. Akt and c-Fos proteins are cancer cell signaling targets involved in transduction, growth and proliferation. Preclinical studies showed that RX-0183 inhibited in vitro proliferation of cancer cells derived from many human solid tumors. It also inhibited tumor growth in xenograft human tumor models. Based on the preclinical data, RX-0183 demonstrates potent anticancer activity for treating multiple cancers.

Commenting on today's news, Chang H. Ahn, Ph.D., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Rexahn Pharmaceuticals, noted, "Obtaining patent coverage for these anti-cancer compounds marks another important milestone, as we continue to broaden our product pipeline to include new, innovative therapies for various types of cancer. Equally important, this patent further strengthens our intellectual property position, which remains a top priority for the Company."

About Rexahn Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Rexahn Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company leveraging its proprietary technology platform to discover, develop and commercialize innovative treatments for cancer, central nervous system disorders, sexual dysfunction and other unmet medical needs. Rexahn's compounds are designed to uniquely treat various disease states while significantly minimizing side effects in order to allow patients to regain their quality of life. For Additional information about Rexahn visit http://www.rexahn.com

Safe Harbor This press release contains statements (including projections and business trends) that are forward-looking statements. Rexahn's actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, including, Rexahn's lack of profitability, its auditor's going concern qualification and the need for additional capital to operate its business to develop its product candidates; the risk that Rexahn's development efforts relating to its product candidates may not be successful; the possibility of being unable to obtain regulatory approval of Rexahn's product candidates; the risk that the results of clinical trials may not be completed on time or support Rexahn's claims; demand for and market acceptance of Rexahn's drug candidates; Rexahn's reliance on third party researchers and manufacturers to develop its product candidates; Rexahn's ability to develop and obtain protection of its intellectual property; and other risk factors set forth from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof; Rexahn assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.