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Biotech / Medical : NEXL -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: arnold silver who wrote (1355)	4/15/1998 8:47:00 AM
From: bob jaremsek	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 1704

VIMRX Announces a Phase I Dermatology Study On Novel Wound-healing Agent At Columbia Presbyterian WILMINGTON, Del.--(BW HealthWire)--April 15, 1998--VIMRX Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:VMRX - news) announced today that it has initiated a Phase I clinical trial on VM301, a novel compound that has shown promising wound-healing activity when applied topically in preclinical studies. The studies, designed to evaluate the safety of the compound on both normal and broken skin, are being conducted at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in New York City by Dr. Matthew Stiller, director, Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Department of Dermatology. Thirty volunteers will be given the topical dermatological ointment for a 21 day period. VIMRX is developing VM301 for the treatment of both partial and full thickness wounds, including burns, surgical wounds, diabetic skin ulcers, and decubitus ulcers (bed sores). In addition to wound-healing, the compound has shown anti-inflammatory properties which may expand its clinical potential in the future. Pre-clinical toxicology studies indicated that VM301 is non-irritating and non-sensitizing and shows no unusual toxicity or adverse effects. ''This unique compound has shown very impressive activity in three animal models for wound healing, so we are anxious to gain human safety data on both unbroken and broken skin,'' said Dr. David A. Jackson, chief scientific officer of VIMRX. ''We are optimistic about our ability to move quickly into a Phase II clinical study later this year to determine the efficacy of the compound on targeted wound indications.'' VM301 is a semisynthetic derivative of a compound obtained from a marine organism, known as the sea whip, that is available in abundance in the seas of the Caribbean. Sea whip is harvested by trimming so that the organism re-grows, resulting in a plentiful, long-term supply. VIMRX announced recently that its gene discovery programs and therapeutic research and development compounds, including VM301, would be transferred to a new VIMRX majority owned subsidiary called Ventiv BioGroup - a collaboration currently being formed with Columbia University. VIMRX Pharmaceuticals Inc. VIMRX Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: VMRX - news) is a biotechnology company developing innovative technologies to improve human health. VIMRX's portfolio will include three majority owned subsidiaries: Nexell Therapeutics Inc., a company formed with Baxter Healthcare Corporation focused on cell therapeutics for cancer and other life threatening diseases; Innovir Laboratories, Inc. (NASDAQ: INVR - news), which develops oligozymes for use as both therapeutics and as pharmaceutical research tools; and, upon completion, Ventiv BioGroup, a biotechnology development company formed with Columbia University focused on research and development programs in the areas of cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, wound healing and skin diseases. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a ''safe harbor'' for certain forward-looking statements. The forward- looking statements contained in this release are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from current expectations. Among the factors which could affect the Company's actual results and could cause results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements contained herein are the timely commencement and success of the Company's clinical trials, delays in receiving FDA or other regulatory approvals and the development of competing therapies and/or technologies by other companies. NOTE TO INVESTORS AND EDITORS: VIMRX's press releases are available on the Internet through www.vimrx.com and through BusinessWire's web site at businesswire.com. The releases also are available at no charge through BusinessWire's fax-on-demand service at 800-411-8792.

To: arnold silver who wrote (1355)	4/17/1998 12:33:00 PM
From: Anthony G. Breuer	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 1704

<<PS The last time I checked we had 127 scientists working we are not just sitting,we are moving.>> Arnie: I keep seeing posts that say that Vimrex is just a holding company and only has 3 employees. What does this mean to us shareholders? If for instance Innovir hits bigtime with a drug, how does that affect VMRX? I planning on holding the 3500 shares of VMRX I own, but am reluctant to buy more (although I'm tempted). I'm in a quandry. Any advice or opinions? (I understand opinions are opinions and I have to make up my mind. I am just conducting an informal poll.)