LINCOLN, R.I.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 9, 2005--MultiCell Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB:MCET) announced that its subsidiary, MultiCell ImmunoTherapeutics, has elevated MCT-465 to lead drug candidate status and will commence evaluation of MCT-465 in preclinical animal models infected with the H5N1 strain of influenza A virus, known as the “bird flu” or “avian flu” virus. These preclinical studies will seek to build on the success that MCTI’s toll receptor molecule and lead drug candidate MCT-465 demonstrated in animal models infected with the H1N1 strain of influenza A virus. In these preclinical studies, originally published in the October 2002 Journal of Clinical Investigation, MCT-465 reduced pulmonary virus titers by 1,000-fold in mouse models, resulting in barely detectable levels of the virus. The results suggest MCT-465 may also be able to reduce influenza A H5N1 viral load. The H5N1 strain of influenza A virus is genetically similar to the H1N1 strain of influenza A virus.