Cytel Inflammatory Drug Receives U.S. Patent

Cytel Corp. has received a patent from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (No. 5,753,631) for Cylexin, a selection inhibitor compound that blocks white cell adhesion, for the treatment of inflammatory and related conditions. The patent specifically covers the use of Cylexin and related compounds for reducing or controlling inflammation, and for treating inflammatory disease processes and other conditions mediated by cellular adhesion.

"We believe that Cylexin could be a valuable treatment for a variety of inflammatory conditions which occur in conjunction with stroke, organ transplantation and acute trauma," said Virgil Thompson, president and chief executive officer of Cytel. "We are pleased to receive broad protection for the use of Cylexin in this disease segment and look forward to forming new corporate partnerships to establish its usefulness for additional indications."

Cytel is currently conducting a Phase II/III clinical trial using Cylexin for the prevention of reperfusion injury in newborn infants undergoing cardiac surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass. Reperfusion injury is an acute inflammatory cascade that occurs when blood supply to tissues is cut off and restored. Results from a Phase II trial of 17 patients, completed in September 1997 at Boston Children's Hospital, showed that Cylexin was well tolerated and has the potential to accelerate post-operative recovery of infants.

For more information: Virgil Thompson, president and CEO, Cytel Corporation, 3525 John Hopkins Court, San Diego, CA 92121. Tel: 619-552-3000.