PROGRESS IN EPROTIROME (KB2115) DEVELOPMENT

PROGRESS IN EPROTIROME (KB2115) DEVELOPMENT

	Eprotirome approved as generic name for KB2115
	The continued clinical development of eprotirome is progressing according to
plan. All patients in a new phase IIb study have been enrolled and the dosing
has been initiated
	Important scientific data from Karo Bio's first clinical study with eprotirome
was recently published in the American Journal Proceedings of the National
Academy of Sciences (PNAS). The publication received significant international
attention.


Eprotirome (new generic name for KB2115) is a new compound that lowers high
blood lipid levels by activating the thyroid hormone receptor in the liver. Data
from the first two week study in 24 patients with elevated cholesterol levels
have now been published in PNAS with the title “The thyroid hormone mimetic
compound KB2115 lowers plasma low density protein (LDL) cholesterol without
cardiac effects in man”. 

The results represent a break through in the field. For the first time it has
been possible to show in man, that a drug that activate the thyroid hormone
receptor can induce a significant lowering of blood cholesterol levels (up to
40%) without negative effects on the heart.

As previously reported in June last year Karo Bio has also completed a larger 12
week study on 99 patients with primary dyslipidemia. The results showed that
eprotirome was effective with significant lowering of risk factors like total
cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and lipoprotein(a). All patients
responded to treatment and eprotirome was well tolerated.

The clinical phase IIb programme is now continuing with a study in 172 patients
where eprotirome is given concomitantly with statins. All patients have been
enrolled and the dosing has been initiated. Most high risk patients do not reach
their LDL target levels with statin treatment alone. Thus, there is a great need
for new and effective drugs like eprotirome. 

“We are encouraged by the progress in the development of eprotirome and by the
international attention our compound is receiving. The results from the ongoing
phase IIb study will be crucial for our partnering plans and phase III
development. We expect to present the key data during the third quarter of
2008”, says Per Olof Wallström, President of Karo Bio.


For further information, please contact:
Per Olof Wallström, President & Chief Executive Officer 
Telephone: +46 8 608 6020

Per Otteskog, Senior Vice President 
Telephone: +46 8 608 6018



Facts about Karo Bio 
Karo Bio is a drug discovery and development company specializing in nuclear
receptors for the development of novel pharmaceuticals with focus on metabolic
diseases. 

The company has expanded from being a drug discovery company by adding in-house
preclinical and clinical development resources and competence for development of
drugs to treat metabolic diseases. The company has a strong project portfolio
with innovative molecules that primarily targets diseases such as diabetes,
atherosclerosis and dyslipidemia. In all of these areas there are significant
market opportunities and a growing need for new pharmaceuticals with new
mechanisms of action. 

In addition to the proprietary projects Karo Bio has two strategic
collaborations with international pharmaceutical companies and one biotech
collaboration for development of innovative therapies for the treatment of
common diseases.

Karo Bio is listed on the OMX Nordic Exchange Stockholm AB since 1998 (Reuters:
KARO.ST). This press release is also available online at: www.karobio.se and
www.newsroom.cision.com