Data from Two of Three Studies With NUVANCE(TM) (soluble IL-4 receptor) Analyzed

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Data from Two of Three Studies With NUVANCE(TM) (soluble IL-4 receptor) Analyzed
            No Apparent Relief for 'Uncontrolled' Asthma Patients,
           Awaiting Data from Ongoing Study as Steroid Replacement

    SEATTLE, March 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Immunex Corporation (Nasdaq: IMNX) today
announced results from part of its comprehensive Phase 2 program for NUVANCE.
In the two recently completed Phase 2 studies, NUVANCE was generally well-
tolerated, but provided no apparent improvement in opening lung airways over a
four-week period for patients with persistent asthma.  A third Phase 2 study
is continuing.
    The third Phase 2 study will evaluate NUVANCE over a three-month period,
in approximately 200 asthma patients receiving steroid therapy.  Results of
the study are expected in the third quarter of 2001.
    "Because asthma is a highly variable disease, we established a panel of
clinical studies as part of our Phase 2 development program for NUVANCE, to
assess its potential in a variety of different study designs," said Leslie
Garrison, MD, MPH, Immunex senior vice president of clinical development.  "We
observed no effect on lung function in asthma patients not using long-term
steroid therapy, but we await the results of the ongoing study in steroid-
dependent patients.  We remain committed to the field of asthma with molecules
in our pipeline, and future development decisions for NUVANCE will be made
when we have data from our ongoing study."
    The two studies announced today were designed to assess the tolerability
and efficacy of NUVANCE in patients not using inhaled corticosteroids to see
if NUVANCE would be effective in opening lung airways (bronchodilation) and in
keeping airways open over time.  The studies were double-blind, multi-center
trials with a total of 246 patients.  In the first study, 142 patients were
randomized to receive one of three doses of NUVANCE or placebo by nebulizer
once a week.  In the second study, 104 patients were randomized to receive one
of two doses of NUVANCE or placebo by nebulizer once a day.
    Preliminary analysis of the studies showed that NUVANCE was generally
well-tolerated.  Adverse events were similar in the treatment groups.  In the
treatment group that received NUVANCE, there was no improvement in lung
function as measured by forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV(1)) when
compared to placebo, which was the primary endpoint for the two studies.

    About Asthma
    An estimated 17.3 million Americans suffer from asthma.  During normal
respiration, air enters through the nose and mouth, passes through the
trachea, and enters a system of complex bronchial tubes that end in tiny air
sacs, known as alveoli.  When inflammation and muscle constriction cause these
passages to narrow, and excess mucus production plugs up the narrowed
passages, asthma is the result.  Of the approximately 17.3 million Americans
with asthma, there are 8.8 million patients with persistent disease, or those
who experience chronic symptoms, over the age of five.

    Immunex Corporation is a leading biopharmaceutical company dedicated to
improving lives through immune system science innovations.

    NOTE: This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve
risks and uncertainties, including risks associated with clinical development,
regulatory approvals, our reliance on third-party manufacturers, product
commercialization and other risks described from time to time in the SEC
reports filed by Immunex, including the most recently filed Form 10-K.   An
electronic version of this news release -- as well as additional information
about Immunex of interest to investors, customers, future employees and
patients -- is available on the Immunex home page at http://www.immunex.com.

    Immunex will host a conference call and live webcast at 2:30 pm PST today
to discuss Immunex information disclosed today.
    The live webcast can be accessed by going to the Immunex website at:
http://www.immunex.com/investor_fs3.html.  Following the webcast, an archived
version of the call will be available at the same address until March 29,
2001.
SOURCE Immunex Corporation
http://www.immunex.com
Company News On-Call:
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/434644.html or fax,
800-758-5804, ext. 434644
CONTACT:
media, Kris Greco, 206-470-4871, or,
investors, Mark Leahy, 206-389-4363, both of Immunex Corporation