XOMA Corporation (XOMA)

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News Item 1 - XOMA Granted First European Patent Covering XOMA 052
8:03a ET November 4, 2009 (GlobeNewswire)

XOMA Ltd. (Nasdaq:XOMA), a leader in the discovery and development of therapeutic antibodies, today announced the grant of its first European Patent related to the XOMA 052 program. Granted by the European Patent Office, the patent covers XOMA's interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) antibody XOMA 052, as well as nucleic acids, expression vectors and production cell lines for the manufacture of XOMA 052. The patent provides exclusivity in Europe into 2026.

IL-1 beta is a pro-inflammatory cytokine involved in the development of Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, gout and other diseases. By binding to IL-1 beta, XOMA 052 inhibits the activation of the IL-1 receptor, thereby preventing the cellular signaling events that produce inflammation. Earlier this year, XOMA completed successful Phase 1 trials of XOMA 052 in Type 2 diabetes patients, and has initiated its Phase 2 clinical development program in Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

"This new patent is XOMA's first European patent providing exclusivity for XOMA 052 and complements our two U.S. Patents, which issued earlier this year," said Steven Engle, XOMA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.