Orexo discloses new mechanism for asthma and COPD treatment

Orexo discloses new mechanism for asthma and COPD treatment

The discovery of the eoxins and their characteristics has paved the way for a
new class of pharmaceuticals for treatment of asthma and COPD. One of the
world's most-cited scientific journals, Proceedings of the National Academy of
Sciences of the United States (PNAS), is now publishing Orexo's research on the
initial discovery and biological functions of eoxins. The publication describes
the scientific rationale behind Orexo's drug development program on eoxin
inhibitors. 

Eoxins constitute a new group of inflammatory mediators, which adds to
understanding the mechanisms for airway inflammation. Eoxins are pro-duced from
the endogenous fatty acid arachidonic acid, via the initial action of the enzyme
15-lipoxygenase. Inflammatory cells in the res-piratory tract are the main
producers of eoxins, and the production is initiated by well known inflammatory
mediators released in connection with allergy and asthma. These data, together
with the powerful pro-inflammatory effects demonstrated for the eoxins, indicate
an important role for eoxins in the inflammation seen in connection with asthma
and COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. 

The research article in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the
United States (PNAS) Early Edition, published on the 9th of January 2008, is the
first in a series of publications on eoxin research. It scientifically
establishes how the eoxins are synthesized, their molecular structure and their
biological effects. 

“The publishing of our eoxin research is an important acknowledgement of the
discovery of eoxins and their role for respiratory diseases. Orexo's eoxin
inhibitor program (OX-2477) is aiming for an oral, non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drug, with potential to replace or reduce the need for inhaled
corticosteroids in asthma and COPD. We will now initiate discussions regarding
strategic research partnerships in this area and thus strengthen the future
growth possibilities for Orexo”, says Charlotte Edenius, Vice President Research& Preclinical Development and Chief Scientific Officer at Orexo.

A first candidate drug is currently undergoing pre-clinical safety studies to
enable commencement of clinical phase I studies during 2008. 

Orexo's eoxin research project has until recently been developed by Biolipox,
which was acquired by Orexo in 2007. Biolipox was founded based on the discovery
of the eoxins by professors Hans-Erik Claesson and Magnus Björkholm from the
Karolinska Institutet. Through the acquisition of Biolipox, Orexo is a global
leader in arachidonic acid research with close links with the Karolinska
Institutet and other academic institutions. 

The PNAS reseach article can be found at
http://www.pnas.org/cgi/content/abstract/0710127105v1
For more information, please contact: 
Charlotte Edenius, Vice President Research & Preclinical Development and Chief
Scientific Officer, Orexo AB
Tel: +46 (0)733 - 86 42 46 
Email: charlotte.edenius@orexo.com

Torbjörn Bjerke, President and CEO, Orexo AB
Tel: +46 (0)708-66 19 90 
E-mail: torbjorn.bjerke@orexo.com

Claes Wenthzel, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Orexo AB
Tel: +46 (0)18 - 780 88 44
Email: claes.wenthzel@orexo.com


TO THE EDITORS

About Orexo

Orexo is a specialty pharmaceutical company, focusing on development of new,
patented drugs by combining well-documented substances with innovative
technologies, and the development of new treatments for respiratory and
inflammatory diseases.

Orexo has a broad and competitive late-stage product portfolio, including two
marketed products, five products in clinical phase and two undergoing
registration. 

To date, Orexo have out-licensed the market rights for Rapinyl for the US, the
EU and Japan markets, and signed a research collaboration with Boehringer
Ingelheim regarding the development of a new class of drugs to treat pain and
inflammation. Also, Orexo has established a Nordic sales force by entering into
a joint venture with ProStrakan.

Orexo has head office in Uppsala and is listed on the OMX Nordic Exchange
Stockholm, Small Cap (ticker: ORX).  

www.orexo.com