Aradigm and Canadian Department of National Defence Extend AERx Liposomal Ciprofloxacin Development Program

Aradigm Corporation (NASDAQ: ARDM) today announced that Defence R&D Canada (DRDC) has extended the development program for the aerosolized delivery of liposome-encapsulated ciprofloxacin as a treatment for bioterror-related anthrax.

The extension calls for additional funding of $662,500 CDP from DRDC to execute a preclinical efficacy study of inhaled liposomal ciprofloxacin for post-exposure prophylaxis against inhalational anthrax.

“The extension of this partnership follows significant progress made by Aradigm in formulation and in the execution of a preclinical development program,” said Stephen Farr, Ph.D. Chief Scientific Officer of Aradigm. “We are pleased that DRDC recognizes the work we have done to date in finalizing the formulation and optimizing ciprofloxacin retention time in the lung. The next phase of study with DDRC will focus on efficacy in animal models of inhalation anthrax, the data from which will be key to establishing the regulatory pathway for this product. While the amount of this extension is not material, it does allow for the continuation of development of the product in both the areas of bioterrorism defence and cystic fibrosis.”

Aradigm is developing the same formulation as used by the DRDC program for its Cystic Fibrosis Liposomal Ciprofloxacin program, which is also in the preclinical stage.

DRDC is an agency of the Canadian Department of National Defence responding to the scientific and technological needs of the Canadian Forces. Its mission is to ensure that the Canadian Forces remain scientifically and operationally relevant. The agency is made up of six research centers located across Canada with a corporate office in Ottawa. DRDC has an annual budget of $250 million and employs 1400 people. With a broad scientific program, DRDC actively collaborates with industry, international allies, academia, other government departments and the national security community. More information about DRDC can be found at www.drdc-rddc.gc.ca.

Aradigm combines its non-invasive delivery systems with novel formulations to create products that enable patients to comfortably self-administer biopharmaceuticals and small molecule drugs. The company’s advanced AERx(R) pulmonary and Intraject(R) needle-free delivery technologies offer rapid delivery solutions for liquid drug formulations. Current development programs and priorities focus on the development of specific products, including partnered and self-initiated programs in the areas of respiratory conditions, neurological disorders, heart disorders, and smoking cessation. In addition, Aradigm and its partner, Novo Nordisk, are in Phase 3 clinical trials of the AERx Diabetes Management System for the treatment of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. More information about Aradigm can be found at www.aradigm.com.

Except for the historical information contained herein, this news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risk and uncertainties, including clinical results, the timely availability and acceptance of new products, the impact of competitive products and pricing, the availability of funding from partners or capital markets, and the management of growth, as well as the other risks detailed from time to time in Aradigm Corporation’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Filings, including the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.

Aradigm, AERx and Intraject are registered trademarks of Aradigm.

 Contact: Christopher Keenan Aradigm (510) 265-9370  

SOURCE: Aradigm