Acologix, Inc. Presents Preclinical Data On Phosphatonin At The 38th Annual Meeting Of The American Society of Nephrology

HAYWARD, Calif., Nov. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Acologix, Inc., a privately held biopharmaceutical company, presented recent study results of Phosphatonin, the Company's product candidate for the treatment of hyperphosphatemia associated with renal disease, at the 38th annual meeting of The American Society of Nephrology (Renal Week 2005), held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.

The abstract entitled, "Regulation of Sodium Phosphate Cotransport by rhMEPE (F-FC127)" was selected for an oral presentation in the session, Regulations, Actions, and Metabolism of PTH, Vitamin D, Phosphatonins and CaSR held November 11, 2005. The data characterized the in vitro and in vivo activities of Acologix's preclinical candidate Phosphatonin (also known as MEPE and AC-200). This is the first reported expression of recombinant human MEPE (rhMEPE) in a mammalian expression system. The profile of this molecule suggests significant differences in posttranslational modifications compared to those observed in rhMEPE expressed by E. coli or bacculovirus systems. All forms of the molecule showed similar activity with respect to in vitro phosphate transport using renal tubular cells. However, the proteins displayed clear structural differences and pharmacokinetic profiles in vivo, presumably due to these posttranslational modifications. Further evaluation is underway to determine the biological significance of these modifications and to determine the appropriate expression system to use for clinical development. "Current therapeutics for phosphate regulation and to treat hyperphosphatemia are inadequate. Clinical studies continue to stress the importance of maintaining a normalized serum phosphorus level in patients with chronic kidney disease", said Sarbani Bhaduri, MD, Nephrologist and Vice President Medical Affairs at Acologix

Acologix, Inc.

Acologix strives to improve patients' lives by developing and commercializing innovative biopharmaceuticals targeting "osteo-renal" (bone and kidney) diseases. Acologix's substantial expertise in identifying and developing therapeutics with unique mechanisms of action in the osteo-renal field will be key to solving major kidney and bone health problems. Such conditions include chronic kidney failure, renal osteodystrophy, bone repair and regeneration, periodontal disease, general dentistry and oral care. These conditions are present in increasing numbers worldwide and require the development of novel therapeutics . Acologix is uniquely focused on these rapidly growing health care problems. Acologix has recently announced a partnership with Toray Industries, Inc. of Japan on the development and commercialization of TRK-820, an anti-pruritic agent for the treatment of uremic pruritus in dialysis patients. A European Phase III clinical study is planned for launch in late 2005. Acologix's plans to launch a US phase III trial in late 2006. Acologix's leading hard tissue regeneration compound, AC- 100 (Dentonin(R)) is currently under investigation in two Phase II clinical studies in Europe and the United States for the repair of periodontal defects and in dental restorations, respectively. Acologix is developing AC-200 (Phosphatonin) to treat hyperphosphatemia and its subsequent clinical problems associated with chronic kidney disease.

This press release contains "forward-looking" statements. These statements involve risks and uncertainties, which may cause results to differ materially from those set forth in the statements. The forward-looking statements include statements regarding product development and cannot be guaranteed. Acologix undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Forward-looking statements in this press release should be evaluated together with the many uncertainties that affect Acologix's business.

CONTACT: Yoshi Kumagai President and CEO of Acologix, Inc.,+1-510-512-7200, or fax, +1-510-786-1116, or ir@acologix.com

Web site: http://www.acologix.com/