VANCOUVER, B.C., April 25, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Immune Network Ltd. (OTCBB:IMMFF) reports progress with its research and development of new anti-inflammatory compounds, some of which are closely related to dapsone. As part of this program, Immune Network and Organon, the Netherlands, have signed an agreement that allows access to structural and biological data and samples of 120 compounds of Organon for further bioassay.
Dapsone is highly effective against leprosy, malaria and some cutaneous diseases. Efficacy of dapsone and steroids against asthma is comparable and the former has been shown to replace the latter. As an anti-inflammatory agent, dapsone has been used successfully in rheumatoid arthritis, both alone and in combination with other drugs such as hydroxychloroquine with an evident synergistic effect. It has been shown that dapsone improves the state of disease in a special subgroup of rheumatoid arthritis patients. Currently dapsone's practical application against asthma and rheumatoid arthritis is curtailed, primarily due to its side effect profile.
As part of its 2nd generation development program for dapsone in Alzheimer disease, Immune Network has patented and started development of a new formulation of dapsone. Preliminary results indicate a significantly better safety profile for the new formulation and a controlled clinical trial is planned to start in the coming quarter. A positive result will greatly extend the use of dapsone for patients with inflammatory diseases.
Immune Network's 3rd generation research program entails Structure Activity Relationship (SAR) studies, in which targeted bioassays are used to provide sufficient biological data about the effects of each compound to enable chemists to design increasingly potent and safe new compounds. Immune Network will be collaborating with several academic and contract laboratories to conduct the SAR and biological activity studies of the Organon compounds. Upon finding a compound that is a "hit", a decision may be made to commence preclinical and clinical development.
The terms of the agreement between Organon and Immune Network call for further negotiation of future collaboration or license agreement, depending upon the results of the experiments carried out under the current agreement. No financial terms are involved at this time.
Organon (www.organon.com) is a renowned pharmaceutical company with a strong commitment to human health care. The company develops and produces innovative prescription medicines for Gynecology, Psychiatry, Cardiovascular disease, Immunology and Anesthesia. Organon products are sold in over 100 countries, more than half of which have an Organon subsidiary. The company currently employs around 13,000 people. Organon is the human health care business unit of Akzo Nobel (Nasdaq:AKZOY).
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On behalf of the Board: Allen Bain, Ph.D., CEO For Further Information Contact Tel: (604) 312-7488 immff@yahoo.com www.immunenetwork.com