Cylene Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to Present Advances in its Oral Inhibitor of CK2 at American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting

SAN DIEGO, April 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Cylene Pharmaceuticals announced today that it will be presenting new data on recent advances of its small molecule anticancer agents during a symposium and several poster presentations at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) annual meeting, to be held on April 18-22 in Denver, Colorado.

Cylene scientists will unveil the first public description of CX-4945, a first-in-class oral inhibitor of protein kinase CK2. CK2 overexpression is well documented in many cancers and represents a previously unexploited molecular target. CX-4945 is a potent, selective inhibitor of CK2 and modulates key survival pathways in cancer cells. CX-4945, which has broad therapeutic potential in common cancers as well as in niche indications, has advanced rapidly into Phase I clinical trials.

The oral symposium will address the identification of pathway-specific biomarkers, while the posters will address the discovery and characterization of CX-4945 and the ability of CX-4945 to inhibit CK2-driven HIF-1alpha transcription and angiogenesis in hypoxia. In a separate poster, Dr. John Lim will describe the advancement of quarfloxin (CX-3543) into Phase II clinical trials in carcinoid/neuroendocrine tumors. The presentation schedule is:

Sunday, April 19, 2009: 8:00 AM CX-4945, a small molecule inhibitor of CK2, inhibits angiogenesis by affecting the vascular endothelium and suppressing hypoxia-activated HIF-1alpha transcription - Tumor Biology 2, Abstract 145

Tuesday, April 21, 2009: 8:00 AM Quarfloxin phase I clinical data and scientific findings supporting the selection of carcinoid/neuroendocrine tumors as the phase II indication - Clinical Research 12, Abstract 3599

Tuesday, April 21, 2009: 1:00 PM Discovery and characterization of CX-4945 a selective orally bioavailable small molecule inhibitor of protein kinase CK2: Phase I initiated - Experimental and Molecular Therapeutics 34, Abstract 4660

Tuesday, April 21, 2009: 2:00 PM CX-4945, a potent and selective inhibitor of CK2, modulates PI3K/AKT signaling and phosphorylation of p21 in vitro and in vivo: Implications for biomarker development - Experimental and Molecular Therapeutics 37, Minisymposium, Abstract 4768

About Cylene Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Cylene Pharmaceuticals is a biotech pharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery, development and commercialization of targeted small-molecule drugs to treat life-threatening cancers. Cylene has created a diverse portfolio of product candidates, including novel inhibitors of cancer-linked serine/threonine protein kinases, as well as innovative nucleolus targeting agents (NTAs). More information can be found at www.cylenepharma.com.

Cylene cautions you that statements included in this press release that are not a description of historical facts, including implied statements relating to future outcomes of clinical trials, may be forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those set forth in this release due to the risks and uncertainties inherent in Cylene’s business including, without limitation, risks related to difficulties or delays in testing, obtaining regulatory approval for, producing and marketing its products; unexpected adverse side effects or inadequate therapeutic efficacy of its products that could delay or prevent product development or commercialization; the scope and validity of patent protection for its products; competition from other pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies; and its ability to obtain additional financing to support its operations. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement and Cylene undertakes no obligation to revise or update this news release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.

CONTACT: William Rice, Ph.D., President and CEO of Cylene Pharmaceuticals,
+1-858-875-5100, wrice@cylenepharma.com; or Karen Sparks of Mentus,
+1-858-455-5500, ext. 275, karen@mentus.com, for Cylene Pharmaceuticals

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

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