Public release date: 10-Feb-2011 [ | E-mail | Share ] Contact: Kathryn Morriskathryn@theyatesnetwork.com845-635-9828Yates Public Relations

MALVERN, PA ? February 10, 2011 ? Promedior, Inc., a clinical stage biotechnology company developing novel therapies to treat fibrotic and inflammatory diseases, announced today the publication of collaborative research in the International Journal of Biochemistry and Cell Biology entitled, “TGF-beta driven lung fibrosis is macrophage dependent and blocked by Serum amyloid P.” The research showed that human Pentraxin-2 (PTX-2), also called human Serum amyloid P (SAP), potently inhibits all undesirable pro-fibrotic pathologies driven by TGFβ1 and represents a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of diseases that involve lung fibrosis, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). this research validates that PTX-2/SAP can have therapeutic effects even in conditions driven by TGFβ1 growth factor, and builds on the body of research showing the unique role of PTX-2/SAP in activating the body’s natural ability to resolve tissue damage in disease processes that cause fibrosis and inflammation.

In this study, researchers examined the effects of PTX-2/SAP in the lung specific TGFβ1 transgenic mouse model, since many of the pathogenic mechanisms observed in lung fibrosis can be stimulated by the growth factor TGFβ1. Highlights of the results from this study validating the potential therapeutic effects of PTX-2/SAP in pulmonary fibrosis included:

• PTX-2/SAP inhibited all of the pathologies driven by TGFβ1 including apoptosis, airway inflammation, pulmonary fibrocyte and M2 macrophage accumulation and collagen deposition, without affecting the levels of TGFβ1 in the lung;

• An abbreviated therapeutic dose schedule was equally efficacious and demonstrated a sustained durability of effect following cessation of drug dosing, suggesting that intermittent dosing may be feasible in human patients;

• PTX-2/SAP levels were reduced in the serum of IPF patients when compared to closely matched healthy control subjects and the levels of SAP in IPF patient serum directly correlated with lung function;

• PTX-2/SAP directly inhibited M2 macrophage differentiation of monocytes obtained from IPF patients, suggesting that IPF patient monocytes would be responsive to PTX-2 therapy.

The findings regarding the effects of PTX-2/SAP in the lung specific TGFβ1 transgenic mouse model expand on previous preclinical studies, in which Promedior investigators determined that PTX-2/SAP potently inhibited lung fibrosis in both acute bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis models and chronic asthma models through an inhibition of pulmonary fibrocyte and pro-fibrotic (M2) macrophage activation and accumulation, associated with increased macrophage production of the regulatory cytokine IL-10.

“Our research clearly shows the beneficial anti-fibrotic effects of Pentraxin-2 in TGFβ1-induced lung disease,” said lead author Erica L. Herzog, M.D., Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Medicine (Pulmonary), Yale School of Medicine. “These findings highlight the potential of Pentraxin-2 to be a potent and durable inhibitor at a pivotal point in the disease pathway of progressive pulmonary fibrotic diseases.”

Based on this research and other clinical and preclinical studies, Promedior is developing a pipeline of drugs based upon recombinant forms of PTX-2/SAP for the treatment and prevention of fibrotic and inflammatory diseases. The company is conducting human clinical studies to evaluate Pentraxin-2 therapeutics for a number of fibrotic diseases, including IPF and post-surgical scarring in glaucoma patients.

“These new findings further support our confidence in Pentraxin-2 as a novel therapeutic for many severe and chronic inflammatory and fibrotic diseases, including IPF,” said Mark L. Lupher, Jr., Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer, Promedior. “By showing that PTX-2/SAP has dominant therapeutic effects even downstream of TGFβ1 pathways through the ability to inhibit pathologic fibrocytes and macrophages and promote regulatory macrophage function, these results further confirm that Pentraxin-2 regulates fundamental mechanisms of the innate immune system, opening an exciting new approach to treat inflammatory and fibrotic diseases.”

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About IPF

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive, debilitating and fatal disease that affects approximately 200,000 people in Europe and the United States combined, with approximately 30,000 new cases reported annually in each region.

IPF is characterized by inflammation and fibrosis in the lungs, hindering the ability to process oxygen and causing shortness of breath. IPF is a progressive disease, meaning that over time, lung scarring and related respiratory symptoms increase in severity. The median survival time from diagnosis is two to five years, with a five-year survival rate of approximately 20%. there are no medicines approved in the United States or Europe for the treatment of IPF.

About Pentraxin Therapeutics

Promedior’s proprietary platform of pentraxin therapeutics is based upon breakthrough discoveries in how the body’s innate response to injury results in pathologic fibrosis and the loss of tissue and organ function. Promedior’s novel therapeutics are designed to treat and prevent fibrotic pathology by regulating the common cellular mechanisms that control the initiation and progression of fibrosis across a variety of tissues and organ systems. Promedior’s initial drug products are based upon the unique structure of Pentraxin-2, a naturally-occurring protein which has demonstrated a unique role in targeting monocytes at sites of tissue damage. Promedior’s approach leverages the natural role of Pentraxin-2 in regulating the response of important immune and inflammatory processes in the body. Promedior has built a comprehensive patent estate for Pentraxin therapeutics, including recombinant human Pentraxin-2 (rhPTX2 or rhSAP), for a broad range of therapeutic applications in fibrosis and other inflammatory diseases.

About Promedior

Promedior has developed a novel drug discovery platform to regulate the monocyte-derived cell populations that play key roles in fibrotic, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. by specifically targeting these cells at the site of injury, Promedior is able to treat the source of aberrant immune system responses, promote tissue healing and resolution, and greatly reduce the risk of systemic side effects inherent in current therapeutic approaches. Utilizing this novel approach, Promedior is initially developing drugs to address the most severe and difficult-to-treat fibrotic and inflammatory conditions of the eye, lung and kidney such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy (eye); pulmonary fibrosis, scleroderma and COPD (lung); and acute and chronic nephropathy (kidney). for additional information about Promedior, please visit promedior.com.

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Time to pull the boxes out of the attic, hang up the wreath and wrap your house in lights and garland. Holiday decorations are making their annual debut, to the misery of some who suffer from asthma and allergies.

“You disturb dust and other debris that hasn’t been touched for a year and it can certainly cause problems,” says Dr. Richard Lockey, director of the allergy and immunology division at USF Health in Tampa.

If your symptoms have been under good control but lately you are short of breath, sneezing, wheezing or coughing, or have itchy, watery eyes or a runny or stuffy nose, the problem may be seasonal.

On top of stored decorations, bringing fresh Christmas trees, wreaths, garlands and holiday plants inside can also trigger symptoms. Some people are allergic to a substance called terpene in evergreens’ sap; it’s released when the trunk or branches are cut. “We’re not sure it’s a true response to evergreens, but there’s no question that some people feel cut Christmas trees make their asthma worse,” Lockey says.

Sometimes, trees and plants carry mold or pollen indoors on their branches. Artificial trees can become covered in sneeze-inducing dust if not stored in airtight containers.

The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology suggests going over your tree with a leaf blower in a well-ventilated place outside to remove some of the accumulated allergens. or spray your holiday tree, live or artificial, with a garden hose and allow it to dry in a garage or on a covered porch before bringing it inside.

As if all those seasonal hazards weren’t enough, consider this: According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, most of us spend 90 percent of our time indoors — and indoor air can be more harmful than what’s outdoors.

From things you can smell, like oven cleaners and bathroom mold, to those that are odorless, like carbon monoxide and radon, indoor air can be hazardous to your health.

Stan Stoudenmire, an environmental specialist for the Pinellas County (Fla.) Health Department’s indoor air-quality program, says his office handles five to 20 calls a day. most callers express concerns about mold. other irritants include cigarette smoke, wood smoke, carbon monoxide, off-gassing from new carpets and furniture, sewer gases, household pesticides and cleaning supplies. These can cause symptoms such as headaches, eye, nose and throat irritation, breathing problems, fatigue, reduced productivity, even memory problems, he said.

Most people notice improvement after a good housecleaning and changing air filters, Stoudenmire says. Sometimes plumbing and roof work are needed to repair leaks, or air handlers need professional cleaning to remove mold. In extreme cases, damp or moldy drywall may have to be replaced.

But Stoudenmire cautions consumers against private companies that offer inspections and then try to sell a long list of repair services. he advises getting a second opinion before doing anything drastic.

Lockey says people with asthma and allergy symptoms need to be sure to get a flu shot — and wash hands frequently, stay home if sick and take medications as prescribed.

The allergy college suggests these measures to breathe easier:

• Clean. If someone in your household suffers from asthma and allergies, establish a good cleaning schedule and consider clearing out potential sources of trouble.

• Vacuum frequently, at least twice a week.

• consider getting a HEPA vacuum cleaner, which catches the smallest dust particles.

• Avoid “dry” dusting, which sends dust airborne.

• Keep pets out of bedrooms.

• get rid of carpeting and older upholstered furniture that harbor dust and dust mites.

• Replace draperies with easier to clean blinds.

• Regularly replace air filters.