Novel gene target RTP-801 offers a new approach for a potential treatment
                    of age-related macular degeneration

    NEW YORK, and FREMONT, Calif., and NESS-ZIONA, Israel, Sept. 26
/PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Pfizer Inc and Quark Biotech, Inc., announced
today that they have entered into an agreement under which Pfizer acquires
an exclusive worldwide license to Quark's novel human gene RTP-801 and to
molecules that modify its expression or function. RTP-801 is involved in
the development of pathologic blood vessels which accelerate the
progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
    Financial terms of the agreement were not announced. The agreement is
subject to clearance by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.
    AMD is the leading cause of blindness in the developed world affecting
about 15 million Americans over the age of 50. The target for RTP-801 is
neovascular or wet AMD. Wet AMD is the most devastating form of the disease
and occurs due to the formation of an abnormal vascular network beneath the
retina of the eye. These blood vessels are excessively leaky and lead to an
accumulation of fluid and blood beneath and within the retina resulting in
a loss of visual acuity.
    "Despite advances in research and the availability of new treatment
options, there remains a need for new approaches to improve the lives of
patients with AMD," said Martin Mackay, Ph.D., Pfizer senior vice president
Worldwide Research and Technology. "We are excited about the potential of
RTP-801 to preserve vision in patients with wet AMD who have an increased
risk of progressive eye damage and vision loss."
    "We are pleased that Pfizer has chosen our novel target RTP-801 and
biomolecules for its drug development program," said Daniel Zurr, CEO of
Quark. "This agreement provides further recognition for Quark's creative
approach to discover conceptually new drugs to treat devastating diseases.
We are dedicated to help society with innovative medicines by moving from
novel gene targets to unique compounds and eventually commercial products."
    Based on pre-clinical models, it is believed that AMD can be treated by
blocking the expression of the RTP-801 gene through RNA interference or
RNAi. RNAi is a naturally occurring mechanism within cells for selectively
silencing and regulating specific genes. The ability to silence genes
through RNAi could provide a new way to treat a wide range of human
diseases -- including AMD -- that are caused by the inappropriate activity
of specific genes.
    Pfizer Inc: Working for a healthier world(TM)
    Founded in 1849, Pfizer is the world's largest research-based
pharmaceutical company taking new approaches to better health. We discover
and develop innovative medicines to treat and help prevent disease for both
people and animals. Through consistent, high-quality manufacturing and
distribution operations, our medicines reach patients in 180 nations. We
also partner with healthcare providers, governments and local communities
around the world to expand access to our medicines and to provide better
quality healthcare and health system support. At Pfizer, our colleagues
work every day to help people stay happier and healthier longer and to
reduce the human and economic burden of disease worldwide.
    About Quark Biotech, Inc.
    Quark Biotech, Inc. is a privately held development-stage,
biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Fremont, CA. Through an
innovative combination of gene silencing and DNA microarray technology,
Quark has pioneered and patented its BiFAR(TM) platform for high-throughput
functional profiling, allowing significant advances in the identification
of target genes and proteins. This technology allows the company to develop
conceptually novel drugs that could provide previously unavailable benefits
to patients. Quark development efforts are focused on treatment of fibrotic
and ischemic diseases of the eye, kidney and lungs, in indications with
clear unmet medical needs.
    Quark corporate product development teams are based in Fremont, CA and
research facilities in Ness-Ziona, Israel.
    PFIZER DISCLOSURE NOTICE: The information contained in this document is
as of September 26, 2006. Pfizer assumes no obligation to update any
forward-looking statements contained in this document as a result of new
information or future events or developments.
    This release contains forward-looking information about a research and
development program and the potential efficacy of product candidates that
might result from the program that involve substantial risks and
uncertainties. Such risks and uncertainties include, among other things,
the uncertainty inherent in research and development activities, decisions
by regulatory authorities regarding whether and when to approve any drug
applications that may result from the program as well as their decisions
regarding labeling and other matters that could affect the commercial
potential of product candidates that may result from the program; and
competitive developments.
    A further list and description of risks and uncertainties can be found
in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2005, and in its reports on Form 10-Q and Form 8-K.

Link to this page:

  

http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/688250.html/
CONTACT:
Paul Fitzhenry of Pfizer, +1-212-733-4637; or
Juliana Friedman of Quark Biotech, +972-8-9305-111; or Cynthia
Isaac of Ogilvy PR, +1-212-880-5206

---

---

Issuers of news releases and not PR Newswire are solely responsible for the accuracy of the content.
Terms and conditions, including restrictions on redistribution, apply.
Copyright © 1996- PR Newswire Association LLC. All Rights Reserved.
A United Business Media company.