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Genaera Corporation Presents Preclinical Trodusquemine (MSI-1436) Data at the North American Association for the Study of Obesity Annual Meeting

PLYMOUTH MEETING, Pa., Oct. 23 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Genaera Corporation (Nasdaq: GENR) announced today the presentation of preclinical data on its Phase 1 product candidate for obesity, trodusquemine (MSI-1436), at the North American Association for the Study of Obesity (NAASO) Annual Meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The poster presentation of preclinical data shows that MSI-1436 demonstrated selective inhibition of PTP-1B but did not inhibit the activities of DDP-IV, TC-PTP or SHP-2 nor inhibit ligand binding to the CB1 or 5HT2C receptors. Additional in vitro testing demonstrated that MSI-1436 does not activate PPAR (alpha, beta/delta or gamma) nor bind to 250 different kinases. In an animal model, MSI-1436 was found to distribute to both the liver and brain upon peripheral administration and was observed to modify the phosphorylation status of downstream effectors of insulin signaling.

The study confirmed that MSI-1436 is a selective inhibitor of PTP-1B, and its central and peripheral effects provide promise for the simultaneous treatment of both type 2 diabetes and obesity.

The poster at NAASO entitled, 'Trodusquemine is a Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B Inhibitor that Causes Differential Weight Loss,' will be presented today from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Central Time. Researchers from Genaera will be at the poster from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. to answer any questions.

About Trodusquemine

Trodusquemine (MSI-1436) is the first drug candidate that acts both centrally and peripherally to selectively inhibit the established and validated enzyme target, protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP-1B). The dual locations of MSI-1436 action make the drug a promising candidate for both type 2 diabetes and obesity. By inhibiting PTP-1B, trodusquemine has been shown to decrease appetite and normalize blood sugar as PTB-1B is central to both the insulin and leptin pathways. Based on this unique mechanism of action, trodusquemine has the potential to bridge the treatment for two of the most serious metabolic diseases, type 2 diabetes and obesity. In addition, trodusquemine has overcome selectivity concerns that other compounds that target PTP-1B have failed to overcome. Preclinical studies demonstrate that trodusquemine is a potent, highly selective and reversible inhibitor of PTP-1B. In vitro kinetics demonstrate that trodusquemine is a reversible, allosteric, noncompetitive inhibitor of PTP-1B, binding to a site different from the catalytic site of PTP-1B. Data also demonstrate that trodusquemine can produce consistent, sustainable weight loss in a variety of animal models and appears to overcome metabolic readjustment, which often limits sustained weight loss during caloric restriction. Trodusquemine suppresses appetite, causes differential weight loss, reduces adipocyte size, reduces body fat (with no reduction of lean mass), and improves glucose tolerance via inhibition of a unique combination of signaling pathways in a mouse model of diet induced obesity (DIO).

About Genaera

Genaera Corporation is focused on advancing the science and treatment of metabolic diseases. The Company has significant market opportunities with a first-in-class molecule, trodusquemine (MSI-1436), that has the potential to redefine the treatment paradigm for obesity and type 2 diabetes and is presently in a Phase 1 trial in obesity. In addition, Genaera has a value-driven, fully out-licensed partnership with MedImmune, Inc. for a second core program that is presently undergoing Phase 2 clinical testing in asthma. Genaera is committed to directing resources to its core program and the aggressive clinical development of its key assets to build stockholder value. http://www.genaera.com.

This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that are subject to risks and uncertainties, known and unknown. Forward-looking statements reflect management's current views and are based on certain expectations and assumptions. Such statements include, among others, statements regarding these preliminary results, clinical development plans and prospects for Genaera's programs including trodusquemine (MSI-1436), the IL-9 antibody program, LOMUCIN(TM), or squalamine. You may identify some of these forward-looking statements by the use of words in the statements such as 'anticipate,' 'believe,' 'continue,' 'develop,' 'expect,' 'plan' and 'potential' or other words of similar meaning. Genaera's actual results and performance could differ materially from those currently anticipated and expressed in these and other forward-looking statements as a result of a number of risk factors, including, but not limited to: Genaera's history of operating losses since inception and its need for additional funds to operate its business; the costs, delays and uncertainties inherent in scientific research, drug development, clinical trials and the regulatory approval process; the risk that clinical trials for Genaera's product candidates, including trodusquemine (MSI-1436), the IL-9 antibody program, LOMUCIN(TM), or squalamine may be delayed or may not be successful; the risk that Genaera may not obtain regulatory approval for its products, whether due to adequacy of the development program, the conduct of the clinical trials, changing regulatory requirements, different methods of evaluating and interpreting data, regulatory interpretations of clinical risk and benefit, or otherwise; Genaera's reliance on its collaborators, in connection with the development and commercialization of Genaera's product candidates; market acceptance of Genaera's products, if regulatory approval is achieved; competition; general financial, economic, regulatory and political conditions affecting the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry; and the other risks and uncertainties discussed in this announcement and in Genaera's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, all of which are available from the Commission in its EDGAR database at www.sec.gov as well as other sources. You are encouraged to read these reports. Given the uncertainties affecting development stage pharmaceutical companies, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, any of which may turn out to be wrong due to inaccurate assumptions, unknown risks, uncertainties or other factors. Genaera does not intend (and it is not obligated) to publicly update, revise or correct these forward-looking statements or the risk factors that may relate thereto.

SOURCE Genaera Corporation