Monday October 2, 8:32 am Eastern Time
Press Release
Coulter Pharmaceutical Acquires Rights to
Novel Technology Related to Rheumatoid
Arthritis Treatment
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.--(BW HealthWire)--Oct. 2, 2000-- Coulter Pharmaceutical, Inc. (Nasdaq:CLTR -
news) today announced that it has entered into a license and research agreement with Yissum, the technology
transfer company of Hebrew University, for technology, know-how and worldwide intellectual property rights
relating to a novel approach to treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
This new approach involves reducing RA joint inflammation by targeting the synovial cells responsible for
infiltrating and inflaming joints. Scientists led by Professor David Naor at Hebrew University discovered a novel
variant of the CD44 cell surface marker located on synovial cells implicated in the disease process. With this marker
now identified, scientists can develop monoclonal antibodies which will target the variant CD44 marker on these
synovial cells. Under the research agreement, Coulter Pharmaceutical and Hebrew University are collaborating on
the research and development of monoclonal antibodies against the CD44 variant.
``We are pleased to enter into this agreement with Hebrew University,'' said Michael F. Bigham, president and chief
executive officer of Coulter. ``We believe their discovery of this new cell surface marker on synovial cells will lead to
exciting new developments in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Our goal is to offer therapeutic alternatives
which will address the pain and suffering of the many patients with this debilitating disease.''
Under the terms of the agreement, Coulter acquired exclusive worldwide rights to the variant CD44 invention of
Hebrew University. Additionally, Coulter will become the license holder of all technology and products developed
under the collaborative research effort between Coulter and Hebrew University. In return, Coulter has committed an
undisclosed two year research grant as well as milestones and royalties associated with product developments.
Rhueumatoid Arthritis, one of the most common forms of arthritis, is an autoimmune disease affecting approximately
2.1 Americans, mostly women, between the ages of 20 and 50. It is a chronic inflammatory condition damaging
cartilage and bone within the joints and may also affect internal organs.
Coulter Pharmaceutical, Inc. is engaged in the development of novel drugs and therapies for the treatment of cancer
and autoimmune diseases. The company currently is developing a family of therapeutics based upon two drug
development programs: therapeutic antibodies and targeted oncologics. The company's most advanced product
candidate is Bexxar(TM), a monoclonal antibody conjugated to a radioisotope. The company's therapeutic
antibodies program also includes an interferon receptor antagonist. Initial efforts in the targeted oncologics program
are based on tumor activated prodrug (TAP) and tumor-specific targeting (TST) technologies. For more company
information, visit Coulter Pharmaceutical's web site at coulterpharm.com.
Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this news release are forward-looking
statements for Coulter Pharmaceutical, Inc. that involve risks and uncertainties, including uncertainties related to
product development, uncertainties related to the need for regulatory and other government approvals, dependence
on proprietary technology, uncertainty of market acceptance of Bexxar(TM) or the company's other product
candidates and other risks detailed from time to time in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC). In particular, see ``Risk Factors'' in the company's Registration Statement on Form S-3 filed
August 30, 2000, and Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999. |
