4SC AG and the Institute of Molecular Virology at the University of Münster Were Successful in Developing an Active Agent for Fighting the H5N1 Virus

PLANEGG-MARTINSRIED, Germany, November 7 /PRNewswire/ -- The drug discovery and development company 4SC AG (Frankfurt, Prime Standard: VSC), based in Martinsried, Germany, and the Institute of Molecular Virology at the University of Münster announced today that achievements had been made in researching an active agent for fighting the H5N1 virus.

The achievements resulted from a research collaboration that began in April 2006 with investigations into an avian influenza virus of the subtype H7N7. Further research activities have demonstrated that one of the substances developed by the 4SC AG in the course of their NFkB project effectively inhibits the reproduction of the H5N1 virus, and also drastically reduces the so-called cytokine release. The highly pathogenic H5N1 virus is believed to be the cause of the avian flu, and is also capable of infecting humans. The extreme cytokine release is one of the main causes of the serious symptoms of flu infections caused by the H5N1 virus. This phenomenon, also known as a cytokine storm, is comparable with septic shock.

4SC AG is now working on developing a formulation for an inhalable compound based on this substance. The compound will then be further tested and developed together with Prof Stephan Ludwig in preclinical studies at the University of Münster's Institute of Molecular Virology. Once a successful "proof of concept" is reached at the preclinical phase, 4SC AG will approach potential partners in the pharmaceutical industry to accompany the drug candidate through the clinical development phase. In addition, the double-acting nature of the substance allows for the development of new, highly effective chemotherapies for treating influenza infections that not only fight the reproduction of the virus, but also attack the life-threatening symptoms of the disease.

"We're excited about the substantial progress made in this project," said Daniel Vitt, CSO of 4SC AG. "It confirms the validity of our research into diseases that have a high level of medical necessity, and opens up new opportunities in the future for us in terms of possible license agreements with the pharmaceutical industry."

Institute of Molecular Virology of the University of Münster

Research at the Institute of Molecular Virology focuses on intracellular signal transduction pathways and their impact on viral infection and inflammation. The virological research is mainly focussed on influenza viruses, which still represent a serious problem worldwide. Aim of the work is - via gathering knowledge about the cellular processes which control virus replication - to learn more about viral reproduction strategies and to eventually find new targets for an antiviral intervention on the basis of cellular components. Another research focus of the institute are signalling pathways involved in inflammatory responses. This includes not only the molecular analysis of pro-inflammatory cytokine expression and signalling mechanisms during the acute-phase response, but also the analysis of signalling pathways during inflammatory activation of the endothelium - an essential step during the onset of inflammatory processes.

About 4SC AG

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 55, the company develops novel drug candidates for inflammatory diseases and cancer using a cheminformatics based technology platform. Traditional high throughput screening of therapeutic agents has been transferred from the lab to the computer. Thus, the company offers substantial cost and time advantages as well as increased success rates in drug development. 4SC AG uses its patented technology platform to create a sustainable product pipeline for active agents that are developed in early clinical phases ("proof of concept") and subsequently result in upfront and milestone payments as well as participation in sales generated by out-licensed products to the pharmaceutical industry. The pipeline currently has five projects, the first of which, on the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, has successfully completed clinical phase I. Preparations for the conduct of the IIa clinical phase are well under way. In addition the project pipeline contains three projects in pre-clinical stage as well as one project in discovery stage. Furthermore, the company has its technology platform in co-operation projects with biotech and pharma companies and is already generating initial revenues.

Legal note

This document may contain forecasts, estimates and assumptions concerning business plans and goals, products and services and future results or assumptions based on or relating to them. Any statements about the future are subject to risks and uncertainty that are not predictable and are beyond the control of 4SC AG. Many factors may cause the actual results to differ substantially from the results contained in such statements about the future.

For further information, please contact us at: 4SC AG Bettina von Klitzing Manager Public Relations & Investor Relations Tel.: [phone] eMail: [e-mail] Institute of Molecular Virology Prof. Dr Stephan Ludwig Tel.: [phone] eMail:[e-mail]