Phase 2a Multi-Dose Study Initiated by MedImmune in Patients With Asthma to Further Expand Anti-Interleukin...( PLYMOUTH MEETING Pa. Aug. 1 /- Ge...),Health

PLYMOUTH MEETING, Pa., Aug. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Genaera Corporation (Nasdaq: GENR) today reported that development partner MedImmune, Inc. has initiated a multi-dose, Phase 2a clinical trial with its monoclonal antibody (MAb) targeting interleukin-9 (IL-9) in adults with mild, persistent asthma. The placebo-controlled, dose-escalation study is designed to evaluate the safety and tolerability of multiple doses of the antibody. This trial is the second Phase 2a study currently underway with the MAb, known as MEDI-528. Genaera and MedImmune entered into a collaborative licensing agreement for this program in 2001.

"This study begins another important step in evaluating the potential of the anti-IL-9 antibody as a new, long-term maintenance or controller therapy for symptomatic, persistent asthma," said Jack Armstrong, President and Chief Executive Officer of Genaera. "We are pleased that the anti-IL-9 antibody is progressing through MedImmune's respiratory inflammation pipeline and remain excited to be part of this partnership. Furthermore, we are optimistic that this study will add to the body of clinical and preclinical data supporting development of MEDI-528 as a potential therapy for this very serious and unfortunately all too common disease."

Two previous Phase 1 single-dose, dose-escalation studies have been conducted to evaluate the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of the anti-IL-9 MAb in healthy volunteers. The antibody was well tolerated in both studies. MedImmune is also conducting an ongoing Phase 2a study, initiated in late 2006, to evaluate the efficacy of a single intravenous dose of MEDI-528 and its effect on disease mechanisms in adults with atopic asthma. Plans to initiate a
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SOURCE Genaera Corporation Copyright©2007 PR Newswire.

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