MetrioPharm AG initiates development program for emergency medication against epidemic infections

MetrioPharm AG / Miscellaneous

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MetrioPharm AG initiates development program for emergency medication
against epidemic infections

Zurich, May 8. 2009: Swiss MetrioPharm AG (WKN: AOMLMB; ISIN; CH0029188817)
is currently giving a series of company presentations in Germany,
Switzerland and the UK. Within this context the company introduces its new
development program for an emergency drug against acute epidemic infectious
diseases. Against the background of swine-flu, recent evidence pointing to
the high effectiveness of one of MetrioPharm's pipeline drug compounds in
acute and potentially lethal infections are gaining importance. A series of
experiments over the past 12 months documented the efficacy and safety of
the compound. It could be shown, that the examined compound was able to
prevent the lethal outcome that viral infections can take if left untreated
or if anti-viral treatment is not effective.

'These results show that we have pinpointed a new treatment approach which
may prove to be an effective weapon against aggressive and highly
infectious agents. Especially with the risk of a global epidemic in mind,
these results are of high significance to us', said Dr. Wolfgang Brysch,
president of the Managing Board of MetrioPharm AG.

Experts of the World Health Organization (WHO) keep warning against the
threat of a global epidemic caused by infectious agents which may cause
deadly infections when transmitted from animals to humans. In past years,
the risk of such a rapidly spreading global epidemic has risen
significantly. Reasons are, among others, the rise of intensive
mass-production of animals in developing countries coupled with increased
rate of global travel, which aids the spread of new infections across
continents. The potentially high spreading speed of such an epidemic poses
almost insurmountable challenges to governments and local health
authorities. In case of a new viral infection, for example, there is not
enough time to develop a vaccine. Next to anti-viral drugs like Tamiflu,
new therapeutics are needed, which prove to act quickly and effectively
against yet unknown infective agents.

'The compound currently under investigation at MetrioPharm meets exactly
these requirements: Efficacy against a potentially wide spectrum of
infections, simplicity of use as well as suitability for long-term storage
and immediate availability in case of emergency.' describes Dr. Brysch the
key features of the new therapeutic approach.


About MetrioPharm AG:
MetrioPharm AG is a biotechnology company which focuses on the development
and registration of small-molecular drugs in advanced developmental stages,
for which there is already clinical evidence for efficacy in humans.


Company Contact:
MetrioPharm AG
Neuendorfstrasse 20B
16761 Hennigsdorf
www.metriopharm.com
T. +49 (0) 3302 20 234 02
F. +49 (0) 3302 20 234 99
info@metriopharm.com

Investor Relations Contact:
GFEI Gesellschaft für Effekteninformation mbH
Hamburger Allee 26-28
60486 Frankfurt am Main
www.gfei.de
T. +49 (0) 69 743 037 00
F. +49 (0) 69 743 037 22
metriopharm@gfei.de


08.05.2009  Financial News transmitted by DGAP
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