S&P Capital IQ Initiates Coverage on Synthetic Biologics, Inc. in Standard & Poor's Factual Stock Reports

S&P Capital IQ announced today that it has commenced Standard & Poor's Factual Stock Report coverage on Synthetic Biologics, Inc.

Synthetic Biologics, Inc. (ASE: SYN) formerly Adeona Pharmaceuticals, Inc., is a biotechnology company focused on the development of synthetic DNA-based therapeutics and disease-modifying medicines for serious illnesses. SYN is developing, or has partnered the development of, product candidates to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), relapses in multiple sclerosis, cognitive dysfunction in multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

In December 2011, the company announced that the Board of Directors has taken several actions to prioritize the company's focus on its recent entry into the emerging field of synthetic biology. As a result of its new primary focus, the Board approved a proposed name change of the company to Synthetic Biologics, Inc., to better reflect its new mission and primary business. Such name change was approved by stockholders on February 15, 2012. The company's ongoing and planned clinical trials of Trimesta^TM (estriol) for relapses in multiple sclerosis and cognitive dysfunction in multiple sclerosis are expected to continue and the company's planned clinical trial of AEN-100 (modified release zinc) for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is also expected to continue.

Trimesta is being developed for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis in women. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase II clinical trial is underway at 15 centers in the U.S. As of September 19, 2011, the 150th patient was enrolled in this clinical trial, per the original protocol; patients will be dosed and followed for two years. The company has also received funding to continue enrollment of an additional 10-20 patients at all 15 centers. The primary endpoint in this clinical trial being run under an investigator-initiated Investigational New Drug (IND) application is relapse rates at two years. With over $8 million in grant funding to date, this ongoing Trimesta clinical trial should be funded to its completion.

The company's corporate name change and new focus on synthetic biologics were driven by a global exclusive channel collaboration with Intrexon Corporation announced on November 21, 2011. Synthetic Biologics intends to develop and commercialize a DNA-based therapeutic using Intrexon's UltraVector® platform and RheoSwitch Therapeutic System® for the treatment of PAH.

To support Synthetic Biologics' new focus, the company has appointed several new senior management team members and Board members since December 2011, as follows: Jeff Riley, CEO and President; C. Evan Ballantyne, CFO; John Monahan, PhD, Sr. Vice President of Research & Development; and, Scott L. Tarriff and Nelson K. Stacks, independent members of the Board of Directors.

Standard & Poor's Factual Stock Report coverage on Synthetic Biologics, Inc. will also be accessible on an ongoing basis to the investment community by scores of buy-side institutions and sell-side firms that utilize S&P Capital IQ research and information platforms daily. Millions of self-directed investors also have access to the report via their e-brokerage accounts. Please visit www.syntheticbiologics.com for additional information.

About Standard & Poor's Factual Stock Reports

Currently profiling over 500 issuers, Standard & Poor's Factual Stock Reports, produced by S&P Capital IQ, increase market awareness of issuers in the investment community with insightful commentary and key statistics and information. Standard & Poor's Factual Stock Reports provide factual research coverage about company fundamentals and business prospects, thereby enabling information about covered companies to reach a wide investor audience of Buy and Sell-side investors. Updated weekly with the latest pricing, trading volume, and other data, the reports include recent developments, a financial review, key operating information, industry and peer comparisons, institutional holdings analysis, Street Consensus and opinions, performance charts, business summary, fundamental data, and news. Because coverage of these reports is underwritten by the issuer, S&P Capital IQ does not offer investment opinions concerning the advisability of investing in these stocks.

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Synthetic Biologics, Inc
Kris Maly, 734-332-7800, ext. 22
Vice President of Corporate Communication
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Richard Albanese, 212-438-3647
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