NexBio(R) Presents Data Showing Anti-Asthma Activity of DAS181 (Fludase(R)*) at ...( SAN DIEGO Nov. 9 /- NexBio Inc. annou...)

SAN DIEGO, Nov. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- NexBio, Inc. announced the presentation of new data at the 2009 annual American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology in Miami, Florida. The presentation was entitled "DAS181 (Fludase®), a Sialidase, Decreases Airway Resistance and Has Potent Anti-inflammatory Effects in Animal Models of Asthma".

DAS181 (Fludase®) is an investigational broad spectrum host-targeting drug candidate being studied in human clinical development for treatment and prevention of Influenza-Like Illness caused by any strains of influenza and parainfluenza. NexBio has recently announced the publication of two articles describing activity in non-clinical models of DAS181 for Pandemic Influenza A(H1N1) and for influenza resistant to Neuraminidase inhibitors (NAI), in a peer-reviewed journal.

The new data presented from studies in three animal models of asthma, done by NexBio's academic collaborators, demonstrate that DAS181 inhibits airway hyperreactivity, characteristic of asthma. DAS181 further decreases the number of inflammatory cells and mucous secreting cells in the respiratory tract. In the animal models, DAS181 is as effective as a bronchodilator or a steroid which are anti-asthma drugs on the market. People with asthma are prone to develop severe complications when they catch influenza. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the majority of hospitalizations from the ongoing H1N1 Pandemic are in people with asthma.

The data were presented by Dr. Ronald Moss, NexBio's EVP of Clinical Development and Medical Affairs. "These data support the unique dual activities of DAS181. Because of its antiviral and anti-asthmatic properties, DAS181 may provide an alternative influenza treatment option for people with asthma and pre-existing respiratory diseases. This may be of a particular importance as there is increasing prevalence of drug resistance to Tamiflu®
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