Synageva BioPharma (GEVA)

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Trimeris Reports First Profitable Quarter - Significant Growth and Continued Profitability Forecasted for 2006
Thursday March 9, 4:00 pm ET

Worldwide Sales of FUZEON(R) Exceed $200 Million
Next Generation Fusion Inhibitor Program in Full Preclinical Development

MORRISVILLE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 9, 2006--Trimeris, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRMS - News) today announced 2005 financial results reporting an 80% reduction in losses from prior year and the first profitable quarter for the company. These results were primarily driven by record worldwide sales of FUZEON, reaching $208 million, a growth of 54% - in its second full year since launch. The Company expects continued profitability and significant growth for 2006 through expansion in FUZEON sales and strong fiscal management with continued investment in its pipeline assets.


The Company reported a net profit for the fourth quarter of 2005 of $3.8 million, or $0.17 per share, compared with a loss of $5.7 million ($0.27 per share) in the fourth quarter of 2004. For the year ended 2005, the Company's net loss totaled $8.1 million ($0.37 per share), compared with a loss of $40.1 million ($1.86 per share) for 2004.

The decrease in net loss for 2005 compared to 2004 is primarily due to the increase in gross profit from the sale of FUZEON and decreases in operating expenses. Cash, cash equivalents and investment securities available-for-sale totaled $36.9 million at December 31, 2005 compared to $48.4 million at December 31, 2004.

"Attaining profitability is a significant and transforming event for Trimeris," said Steven D. Skolsky, Chief Executive Officer of Trimeris. Mr. Skolsky added, "Continued investment in the growth of FUZEON, efficient use of resources, and the progression of the next generation fusion inhibitor program will be the foundation for significant growth and continued profitability through 2006."

A live webcast of our conference call on March 9, 2006 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time will be available at http://www.trimeris.com.

About Trimeris, Inc.

Trimeris, Inc. (Nasdaq: TRMS - News) is a biopharmaceutical company engaged in the discovery, development and commercialization of novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of viral disease. The core technology platform of fusion inhibition is based on blocking viral entry into host cells. FUZEON, approved in the U.S., Canada and European Union, is the first in a new class of anti-HIV drugs called fusion inhibitors. Trimeris is developing FUZEON and future generations of peptide fusion inhibitors in collaboration with F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. For more information about Trimeris, please visit the Company's website at http://www.trimeris.com.