CYSTIC FIBROSIS: Patent granted for inhaled polypeptide treatment

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Drug Week

                                 April 18, 2003

HEADLINE: CYSTIC FIBROSIS: Patent granted for inhaled polypeptide

treatment

   Demegen, Inc., (DBOT) has received United States patent 6,528,488 for

a

method for treating cystic fibrosis (CF) in a human with a polypeptide

via

inhalation.

   CF is a genetic disease, which affects approximately 70,000 children

and

young adults worldwide. The gene defect causes thickened mucus in the

lungs that

creates an ideal environment for bacterial infections, particularly

Pseudomonas

aeruginosa. These lung infections can lead to mortality in CF patients.

Demegen's P113D peptide has demonstrated significant activity against

bacterial

pathogens in sputum from CF patients. In November 2002, Demegen was

awarded

Orphan Drug designation for the P113D compound for treatment of cystic

fibrosis.

   Ekstrom, chairman of Demegen, said, " This is the seventeenth patent

assigned

or licensed to Demegen related to Demegen's histatin-class of

anti-infective

compounds. These compounds are derived from human saliva and are believed

to be

part of the extra immunologic defense system. Because of their unique

performance characteristics, we believe these peptides could become a

much-needed new weapon to fight cystic fibrosis infections. I would also

like to

thank the inventors, Philip Friden, PhD, Rothstein, PhD, and

Spacciapoli, PhD for their fine efforts. "

   Demegen is seeking a license partner to assist with the development of

this

drug to treat cystic fibrosis and other respiratory infections. The

peptides

described in this patent are also protected by composition of matter

claims

Becki

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