( vidence of drug induced tumour response...)Santaris Pharma Presents Positive Clinical Data on SPC2996 in,Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia,Health

The Phase I/II study was primarily aimed at finding the optimum dose of drug to be given in longer term, more rigorously controlled trials in CLL and Lymphoma, a related and more common tumour type. Dr Lene Worsaae Dalby, Santaris Pharma's Vice-President of Clinical Development, said:

"We are encouraged by the data from this safety and proof of principle study. We are currently conducting a second trial with SPC2996 to optimise dose scheduling in favour of fewer doses of the drug given at higher concentrations. Following this second Phase I/II study, Santaris expects to commence randomised Phase II studies in CLL and to investigate the drug also in follicular lymphoma".

The trial of SPC2996 in CLL is the first time an RNA targeted antisense drug containing the potent RNA analogue, Locked Nucleic Acid (LNA), has been evaluated in man for safety and efficacy. SPC2996 was well tolerated and infusions were unproblematic. Dr Henrik Orum, Santaris Pharma's Chief Scientific Officer, commented:

"This clinical trial confirms that LNA-based drugs can be given safely to patients, can reach the site of action in cancer cells and are potent enough to induce clinically relevant benefits, even when given for only a brief period. This is encouraging for the rapidly advancing new field of RNA targeted medicines and for the future of RNA Antagonists in particular. We look forward to further human studies with this and other LNA-based drugs."

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For further information, please contact:

Dr Keith McCullagh

President & CEO, Santaris Pharma,

Tel +45 4517 9819 (direct line) +45 4517 9820 (Company)

Mobile/Cell +44 7939 573548 e-mail km@santaris.com

Prof Bertrand Coiffier

International Coordinating Investigator for the Study, Hosp
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