Xechem UK Ltd. Expands Its Arsenal For Treating Sickle Cell Disease; Licenses New Anti-Sickling Agent From Virginia Commonwealth University

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 9, 2005--Xechem International, Inc. (OTC BB: XKEM) Xechem International announced today that it has acquired the exclusive, worldwide licensing rights to a new five-membered heterocyclic anti-sickling compound from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Richmond, VA. Early research has shown this anti-sickling agent to be a highly effective and relatively non-toxic treatment for Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). The new compound further expands Xechem's existing portfolio of products to be used in the fight against Sickle Cell Disease.