Neurobiological Technologies Announces Suspension of Viprinex D...( EMERYVILLE Calif. Jan. 13 /- Neur...)

EMERYVILLE, Calif., Jan. 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Neurobiological Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: NTII) (NTI(R)) today announced that, following a detailed analysis of the recent interim results of the Viprinex(TM) clinical trial, the company has decided not to develop Viprinex further for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke. Viprinex was recently studied in a clinical trial to determine whether it was effective in improving patient outcome when given within six hours of a stroke, but the trial was halted for futility following an interim analysis.

"Following a thorough review of the interim data, it was determined that there was no group of patients in which Viprinex improved outcome, and therefore further development is not warranted," said Warren W. Wasiewski, Chief Medical Officer. "We are very disappointed that another potential treatment for this devastating disease has failed to show benefit for this patient population."

The company also announced that it is reducing its workforce substantially, paring down to the minimum necessary to carry out operations and complete contractual obligations. NTI is terminating a majority of its employees this week, with additional employee terminations planned for February and March. By the end of the first quarter of calendar 2009, the reduction in workforce is expected to aggregate approximately 75% of the staff employed previously. The company is also significantly reducing other operating expenses and plans to provide further disclosure in its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2008, which will be filed in February 2009.

"We are disappointed with the results of the Viprinex clinical trials. Following the receipt of these results, we have taken steps to reduce costs to preserve the company's remaining cash and to reduce
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