4SC AG / Strategic Company Decision 31.07.2008 Release of a Corporate News, transmitted by DGAP - a company of EquityStory AG. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Planegg-Martinsried, 31 July 2008 Martinsried-based drug discovery and development company 4SC AG (Frankfurt, Prime Standard: VSC) today announced the finalisation of the acquisition of eight projects from the oncology division of pharmaceuticals firm Nycomed. With the receipt of the payment of 14 million EURO in cash Nycomed transferred full ownership of the eight projects to 4SC, while Nycomed retains rights to research, develop and commercialise outside the scope of the patents sold. With this transaction 4SC AG strengthens its development pipeline by adding small molecules, which have promising market potentials for a number of oncological indications. 4SC AG took this transaction as an occasion to redesignate its existing and newly acquired developmental substances in a move designed to enhance transparency. Substance SC12267 (for the treatment of autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis) is thus now designated 4SC-101; SC71492 (for autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease) is now 4SC-102; SC68896 (oncology) is now 4SC-206; SC71710 (oncology, e.g. acute myeloid leukaemia) is now 4SC-203; and SC75741 (for the treatment of viral infections) is now designated 4SC-301. 4SC-201, a drug candidate from the Nycomed pipeline, is an orally-administered inhibitor of enzymes with histone-deacetylase (HDAC) activity in clinical phase I development. This substance has already shown clear anti-cancer activity on solid and haematological tumours in numerous animal trials. 4SC-201 differs from other HDAC inhibitors in its superior oral bioavailability and is thus regarded to display a larger therapeutic window. The substance is currently being tested in clinical phase I trials to assess its safety and tolerability profile in cancer patients. Initial results of the study are expected to be released in the fourth quarter of this year. Another oral HDAC inhibitor (4SC-202) is currently completing all preclinical development steps required to file for approval to conduct clinical studies on cancer patients. 4SC-202, in contrast to 4SC-201, is a selective inhibitor of class I HDAC enzymes and comprises a specific cell division inhibiting effect (anti-mitotic). These specific properties of 4SC-202 afford clinical development for the treatment of cancers, particularly manifestations with rapidly proliferating tumour cells. The substance 4SC-205, an oral EG5 kinesin inhibitor, is likewise currently in final preclinical studies. The anti-mitotic mechanism of 4SC-205 is already clinically validated via vinca alkaloids and taxanes, and combined with its oral availability, offers major potential for broad usage in the treatment of solid and haematological tumours. In addition to two other HDAC inhibitor projects, the portfolio acquired includes three more innovative research projects. 'The new PLK1, TLR7 and Cell Cycle Blocker projects, which have been already successfully tested in animal models, are a terrific complement to our research portfolio,' said Dr. Daniel Vitt, CSO of 4SC AG, 'We are now able to select next-generation drug candidates from an even richer project pool, affording optimal potential for our developmental pipeline in terms of sustained appreciation in value.' The new development projects, including the three oncological candidates presented above, are already being integrated into the existing 4SC development pipeline. The capital raised in the share offering of 14 July 2008 has ensured the companys ability to pursue further development of already existing and new projects without delay. 'Having strengthened our innovative development pipeline in the field of oncological and autoimmune indications, we are now in an excellent position to substantially increase our enterprise value through successful clinical development and licensing partnerships,' commented Dr. Ulrich Dauer, CEO of 4SC AG. Dr. Bernd Hentsch, CDO of 4SC AG, added: 'Because of our experienced development personnel and our distinguished clinical network, we firmly believe that everything is in place to allow us to rapidly move both our existing and newly acquired projects into the next value adding clinical phases.' About 4SC: 4SC AG (ISIN DE0005753818) has been listed in the Prime Standard of Frankfurt Stock Exchange since 15 December 2005. Founded in 1997 and now with a staff of 74, the company develops novel drug candidates against inflammatory diseases and cancer. 4SC AG utilises its technology platform, which is protected by patent, to create a sustainable project pipeline of drug candidates, which are to be developed up to proof of clinical efficacy in early clinical phases ('proof of concept') and subsequently partnered with the pharmaceutical industry in return for advance and milestone payments as well as royalties. There are currently eight projects in the development pipeline and a rich pool of further discovery projects. The first project for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis has already successfully completed clinical phase IIa. An additional project for the treatment of various cancers is currently completing a clinical phase I trial. Further projects are in advanced pre-clinical stages. Further information is to be found at www.4sc.com Legal Note: This document may contain projections or estimates relating to plans and objectives relating to our future operations, products, or services; future financial results; or assumptions underlying or relating to any such statements; each of which constitutes a forward-looking statement subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. Actual results could differ materially, depending on a number of factors. For further information please contact: Bettina von Klitzing Investor Relations and Public Relations Manager 4SC AG Tel.: +49 (0) 89 70 07 63 - 0 Bettina.von.klitzing@4sc.com DGAP 31.07.2008 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Language: English Issuer: 4SC AG Am Klopferspitz 19a 82152 Martinsried Deutschland Phone: +49 (0)89 7007 63-0 Fax: +49 (0)89 7007 63-29 E-mail: public@4sc.com Internet: www.4sc.de ISIN: DE0005753818 WKN: 575381 Listed: Regulierter Markt in Frankfurt (Prime Standard); Freiverkehr in Berlin, Düsseldorf, München, Stuttgart End of News DGAP News-Service ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
DGAP-News: 4SC AG successfully completes transaction of Nycomed oncology projects
| Source: EQS Group AG