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Genasense(TM) Shown to Be Highly Synergistic With Additional Anticancer Drugs At European Hematology Meeting

BERKELEY HEIGHTS, N.J., Jun 25, 2001 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Genta Incorporated (Nasdaq: GNTA) announced the presentation of two scientific studies that documented the synergy between Genta's lead antisense compound, Genasense(TM), with drugs that are used in the Company's ongoing, late-stage, clinical trials in patients with both multiple myeloma and acute myeloid leukemia. The experimental studies were presented on Saturday and Sunday at the annual meeting of the European Hematology Association in Frankfurt, Germany.
In the first presentation, investigators from the University of Texas-San Antonio showed that Bcl-2 (the target of Genasense(TM)) was a major factor in the resistance of myeloma to standard chemotherapy. Genasense(TM) treatment markedly reduced Bcl-2 levels in myeloma cells. Moreover, Genasense(TM) used in combination with a standard chemotherapy drug (dexamethasone) caused a 3 to 4-fold increase in cell death compared with the use of dexamethasone alone. Genta is currently studying Genasense(TM) combined with dexamethasone in a randomized, multicenter, Phase 3 clinical study in patients with multiple myeloma.

In the second presentation, researchers from the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas showed that Genasense(TM) significantly decreased Bcl-2 protein in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells by 72 hours. Researchers also showed that the combination of Genasense(TM) plus Mylotarg(R), a monoclonal antibody currently used to treat AML patients, increased cell death up to 63% compared to treatment with Mylotarg(R) alone. Genta is currently evaluating Genasense(TM) combined with Mylotarg in a multicenter trial in patients with this type of leukemia.

Abstracts can be viewed at: http://www.eurocongres.com/eha2001/scientific.html

"These are the first public presentations of data that have strongly supported the scientific rationale for our clinical strategies in both myeloma and AML," said Dr. Raymond P. Warrell, Jr., Genta's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "In these studies, Genasense(TM) clearly enhanced the anticancer activity of two distinct drug classes, monoclonal antibodies and steroids. This approach has been adapted for both of our current, late-stage clinical trials in these illnesses."

Genta Incorporated is a biopharmaceutical company with a diversified product portfolio that is focused on anticancer therapy. The research platform is anchored by oligonucleotide chemistry, particularly applications of antisense technology. Genasense(TM), the Company's lead compound, has received "Fast Track" and "Orphan Drug" designation from the Food and Drug Administration. Genasense(TM) is currently undergoing late-stage, Phase 3 clinical testing. Genta's pipeline also comprises a portfolio of small molecules, including gallium-containing compounds for treatment of diseases associated with accelerated bone loss, Androgenics compounds for prostate cancer, and Decoy Aptamers for broad anticancer use. Genta aims to become a direct marketer of its pharmaceutical products in the United States. For more information about Genta, please visit our website at: http://www.genta.com.

The statements contained in this press release that are not historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including statements regarding the expectations, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future. Without limiting the foregoing, the words "anticipates," "believes," "expects," "intends," "may" and "plans" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The Company intends that all forward-looking statements be subject to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements reflect the Company's views as of the date they are made with respect to future events, but are subject to many risks and uncertainties, which could cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. For example, the results obtained in pre-clinical or clinical studies may not be indicative of results that will be obtained in future clinical trials, and delays in the initiation or completion of clinical trials may occur as a result of many factors. Further examples of such risks and uncertainties also include, but are not limited to: the obtaining of sufficient financing to maintain the Company's planned operations; timely development, receipt of necessary regulatory approvals, and acceptance of new products; the successful application of the Company's technology to produce new products; the obtaining of proprietary protection for any such technology and products; the impact of competitive products and pricing and reimbursement policies; and changing market conditions. The Company does not undertake to update forward- looking statements. Although the Company believes that the forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, it can give no assurances that the Company's expectations are correct. All forward looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement and other factors detailed in the Company's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.



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SOURCE Genta Incorporated


CONTACT: Investor Relations of Genta Incorporated, 908-286-3980,
[e-mail]; media inquiries - Brad Miles, 212-477-9007, ext. 17, or
investor inquiries - Jonathan Fassberg, 212-477-9007, ext. 16,
[e-mail], both of BMC Communications-Trout Group, for Genta
Incorporated

URL: http://www.genta.com
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