YONKERS, N.Y., March 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Advanced Viral Research
Corp. (OTC Bulletin Board: ADVR) today announced that it has been awarded U.S.
Patent Number 6,528,098, entitled "Preparation of a Therapeutic Composition,"
for Product R, the peptide nucleic acid immunomodulator currently in clinical
trials in Israel.
The claims of the newly issued patent focus on the chemical structures of
the two unique peptides that constitute Product R. The patent describes the
amino acid compositions and sequences of peptides A and B. In addition, the
claims include the nature of the polynucleotide conjugate of peptide B.
Product R is composed of two peptides that, in combination, produce a stable
biopolymeric structure highly resistant to degradative enzymes such as
nucleases and peptidases.
"This new patent is a significant and important addition to the
intellectual property of Advanced Viral Research Corp. The chemical structure
of the peptide nucleic acid described in this patent unfolds a rich, new
chemistry that may yield important future therapeutic agents related to
Product R," said Shalom Z. Hirschman, M.D. President and CEO. "The patent
describes the unique chemical structure of the two peptides present in Product
R, including the peptide that is a novel peptide nucleic acid conjugate. The
chemical structures of the peptides of Product R were filed in our Drug Master
File submitted with our investigational new drug (IND) application to the US
FDA in 2001."
"We believe that Product R may one day play a broad role in the treatment
of a variety of diseases," said Eli Wilner, Chairman of the Board of Advanced
Viral. "We are committed to ensuring that the intellectual property associated
with the ultimate commercialization of Product R is broadly and adequately
protected."
In October 2001 the company was granted a U.S. Patent for the preparation
and overall composition of Product R. ADVR holds 10 U.S. patents related to
Product R that cover such areas as the preparation and chemistry of Product R,
and such uses as the treatment of anemia by stimulating red blood cell
production, the treatment of canine distemper, the treatment of human
parvovirus infection, the treatment of basal cell carcinoma, and the topical
treatment of skin and eye infections.
Israeli Clinical Trials
Advanced Viral Research Corp. is currently conducting three Israeli
clinical trials for Product R including:
* a Phase I/II clinical trial with injectable Product R in cachectic
patients who have failed highly active antiretroviral therapy and
require salvage therapy;
* a Phase I clinical study for the treatment of body wasting (cachexia) in
patients with solid tumors; and
* a Phase I clinical trial for cachectic patients with hematopoietic and
lymphoid tumors, including acute lymphocytic leukemia, Hodgkin's disease
and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Advanced Viral Research Corp., based in Yonkers, New York, is a
biopharmaceutical firm dedicated to improving patients' lives by researching,
developing and bringing to market new and effective therapies for viral and
other diseases.
For further information regarding Advanced Viral Research Corp., please
visit our website at http://www.adviral.com
Note: This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve
risks associated with clinical development, regulatory approvals, including
application to the FDA, product commercialization and other risks described
from time to time in the SEC reports filed by the Company. Product R is not
approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or any comparable agencies
of any other countries. There is no assurance that the Company will be able
to secure the financing necessary to continue and/or complete the clinical
trials of Product R or satisfy certain other conditions relating to clinical
trials including obtaining adequate insurance on terms acceptable to the
Company. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise the
information contained in this announcement whether as a result of new
information, future events or circumstances or otherwise.
Contact: Mayr Communications Inc.
Charles Mayr
Tel: 877.777.6010
mayrcomm@att.net
SOURCE Advanced Viral Research Corp.
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Related links:
http://www.adviral.com
CONTACT:
Charles Mayr of Mayr Communications Inc.,
+1-877-777-6010, mayrcomm@att.net, for Advanced Viral Research
Corp.
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