Hunter-Fleming Ltd.'s Lead Compound Generates Positive Data in Preclinical Study for Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment

5 July 2007, Bristol, UK: Hunter-Fleming, the biopharmaceutical company developing novel compounds for the treatment of inflammatory degenerative diseases, today announced positive results from a preclinical study to investigate the use of its lead compound, HF0220, to treat rheumatoid arthritis. HF0220 is currently in a phase IIa biomarker study for Alzheimer’s disease. The Company has now also shown that the compound’s novel mechanism of action has disease-modifying potential in a range of inflammatory degenerative diseases.

This current study was designed to test the efficacy of HF0220 in a gold standard preclinical model of rheumatoid arthritis (Collagen Induced Arthritis; CIA). The results reveal a remarkable level of efficacy even at very low doses (10 µg\kg) almost completely abolishing joint damage in the treated group by comparison with the untreated group. Furthermore, in line with the proposed mechanism of action, levels of the anti-inflammatory prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2) increased four-fold whilst levels of pro-inflammatory prostaglandin E2 were halved.

Mike Capaldi, CEO of Hunter-Fleming said: “This is very much in line with our previous data, showing that HF0220 has the ability to alter prostaglandin production in favour of resolution of inflammation, cell protection and tissue repair. This new information is particularly exciting as it shows that HF0220 has significant disease modifying potential. We saw similar results recently in a standard preclinical model of inflammatory bowel disease so it is becoming increasingly apparent that HF0220 has the potential to treat a range of diseases with significant unmet medical need. These include Alzheimer’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, stroke, heart disease, inflammatory bowel disease and psoriasis.”

Hunter-Fleming’s management team is known for its success in the area of Alzheimer’s disease, in particular having been previously involved in the development of established treatments Tacrine and Reminyl®. - more information to follow - Hunter-Fleming’s ongoing HF0220 Phase IIa study in Alzheimer’s disease will report in early summer 2008 and is designed to demonstrate safety, tolerability and an optimal dose for subsequent efficacy studies. Hunter-Fleming intends to initiate a second phase II study with HF0220 in 2008 in either inflammatory bowel disease or rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, progressive and disabling auto-immune disease that causes inflammation and damages cartilage and bone around joints. According to the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society, the disease affects 380,000 adults in the UK and the estimated cost, including indirect costs and work-related disability, is between £3.8 and £4.75 billion each year. There is currently no cure.

For further information please contact:

Mike Capaldi, Hunter-Fleming Tel: +44 (0) 1179 008 265

Mary Clark / Halina Kukula, Capital MS&L Tel: +44(0) 207 307 5330

About Hunter-Fleming Hunter-Fleming, a biopharmaceutical company, is developing novel compounds for the treatment of inflammatory degenerative diseases. Its strategy is to develop compounds to Phase II and then out-license for commercialisation. In certain niche indications, it may develop drugs to Phase III before out-licensing. Its lead compound, HF0220, offers a new approach to treating a range of inflammatory diseases. Hunter-Fleming has filed patents protecting an area of prostaglandin biology surrounding the mode of action. Hunter-Fleming is based in Bristol, UK.

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