Recombinant Human-Phosphatonin Produced by Acologix Instantly Reduced Serum Levels of Phosphate by a Single Injection (Presentation #SA 400 at the 24th Annual Meeting of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research)

Emeryville, CA-September 20, 2002 — Phosphate (PO4), one of the most important elements in the body, was successfully controlled by the administration of a newly discovered human hormone, Phosphatonin, which is also called MEPE. Acologix, Inc. ("Acologix"), a San Francisco Bay Area based biotechnology company, together with its collaborators at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, presented data regarding unique activity of Phosphatonin, at the 24th Annual Meeting of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research held in San Antonio, TX on September 20th, 2002.

Phosphatonin (rec-hu-PTN) was reported to significantly reduce serum levels of phosphate either by single injection or continuous supply in mice. In case of single injection, serum phosphate levels significantly declined only one hour after treatment. rec-hu-PTN was also supplied continuously to mice over a 12 day period by implanting cells that produce the molecule. In this study, phosphate in the circulation was selectively reduced without affecting other important elements such as sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), chloride (Cl) and without affecting glucose levels. The data also demonstrated that rec-hu-PTN exerts these phosphate regulating activities directly on renal tubule cells in vitro.

"This is an encouraging result for many chronic renal failure patients. It is estimated that there are approximately 20 million chronic renal failure patients in the U.S. and many of them suffer from high serum phosphate levels [hyperphosphatemia]." said Yoshi Kumagai, President and CEO of Acologix. It is widely accepted that hyperphosphatemia is linked to a broad range of secondary problems including cardiovascular disease and bone weakening. A majority of chronic renal failure patients die from cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure and stroke even before they start dialysis. The efficacy of current standard treatments for hyperphosphatemia represented by phosphate binders is marginal, and their patient compliance is extremely poor. Patients are required to take multiple pills (as much as 5 grams) at every meal for many weeks. Phosphatonin represents a novel, and potentially more efficacious therapeutic approach to rapidly controlling serum phosphate levels. The data presented at this year's annual ASBMR meeting on the activities of Phosphatonin suggest that this newly identified human molecule could meet this major unmet market need.

About Acologix, Inc.

Acologix, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing innovative therapeutics to improve the lives of patients. Acologix's research approach is focused on the biological functions of minerals and extracellular matrix molecules in the body, which will lead to further unique therapeutic product candidates.

Company Contact

Yoshi Kumagai
President & CEO
Phone: 510.379.1073 ext 10
Fax: 510.379.1074