SAN DIEGO, Dec. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Houghten Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (HPI)
(Nasdaq: HPIP) today announced it has completed a preliminary dose tolerance
study of its lead compound, HP 228, in obese, type II diabetics.  This double-
blind, placebo-controlled study, which began in April 1996, was designed to
assess the safety of HP 228 at two different intravenous doses, administered
twice a day for 14 days.  The results of the study show no significant safety
concerns in the 17 patients who received HP 228.
    "The positive safety profile of HP 228 seen in this study represents an
important milestone in the development of this compound for two serious
indications -- diabetes and obesity -- both of which have potentially harmful
and costly side effects.  Today, neither condition is satisfactorily treated
with existing therapies," stated Bernard D. King, M.D., HPI's executive vice
president of biological sciences and development.  "Our next step will be to
initiate additional trials, including trials with longer dosing periods, in
the diabetic population."
    HP 228 is the first in a series of patented compounds called cytokine
regulating agents (CRAs(TM)) discovered by HPI in 1993.  In preclinical
studies, this unique class of compounds exhibits potent anti-inflammatory and
metabolic effects via interaction with a unique receptor pathway.
    HPI is a drug discovery company, which utilizes, combinatorial chemistry
and combinatorial biosynthesis technologies to create novel small-molecule
drug candidates.  The company leverages its technology platform by entering
into pharmaceutical alliances, enabling partners to access HPI's technologies,
in exchange for licensing fees, potential milestone payments and royalties, or
by establishing joint-discovery alliances with biotechnology companies.  HPI
also uses its drug discovery technologies in its internal development
programs.
    Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters
discussed in the news release are forward-looking statements that involve
risks and uncertainties, including whether the proposed product can be
successfully formulated, scaled-up, developed and commercialized, whether
regulatory approvals can be obtained, the impact of competitive products and
pricing, and other risks detailed from time to time in HPI's securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC)filings.  These forward-looking statements represent
HPI's judgment as of the date of this release.  Actual results may differ
materially from those projected.  HPI disclaims, however, any intent or
obligation to update these forward-looking statements.
    HPI's releases are on the World Wide Web at http://www.prnewswire.com and
PR Newswire's fax-on-demand service at 1-800-758-5804, extension 374050.

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