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Symbollon Files Patent Application Covering Use of Its Technology in Upper Respiratory Tract to Safely Kill Pathogens Without Drug Resistance

Posted on: Wednesday, 28 June 2006, 12:00 CDT

Symbollon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (OTCBB: SYMBA) today announced that the company has filed a patent application covering use of its free molecular iodine technology to eradicate pathogens and inhibit superantigens from activating immune cells in the upper respiratory tract. This patent application will significantly extend Symbollon's proprietary coverage of administering its active agent, molecular iodine, to the upper respiratory tract.

Previously, the company announced its intention to enhance its core business strategy by developing a family of safe, broad-spectrum antimicrobial products that will eradicate pathogens without developing drug resistance. The expanded proprietary coverage provided by this patent application will allow Symbollon to administer drug into the nasal cavity and effectively kill pathogens, like Staphylococcus aureus (Staph), in the upper respiratory tract. The patent application also protects Symbollon's use of its technology to block the ability of Staph superantigens to bind to lymphocytes inside the upper respiratory tract. Symbollon believes that the ability to block superantigen-specific induction of the immune reaction may minimize or inhibit massive cytokine release from T-cells and thereby minimize or inhibit the severe reactions observed in asthma, sinusitis and rhinitis.

"Building on Symbollon's business strategy to grow a strong, opportunistic pipeline of drugs, today's announcement further demonstrates Symbollon's ability to be a leading force in the development of novel products based on its free molecular iodine technology," stated Paul C. Desjourdy, the President and CEO of Symbollon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. "With this expanded patent coverage, Symbollon will be able to control the delivery of our active agent for a number of indications in the upper respiratory tract, including sinusitis, nasal cavity Staph carriage elimination and rhinitis."

"We believe a significant aspect of this new patent application is the discovery that free molecular iodine can inhibit superantigens," indicated Mr. Desjourdy. "Several conditions, like sinusitis and atopic dermatitis, are negatively impacted by the expression of superantigens by pathogens. Symbollon's ability to break the chain reaction by inhibiting superantigens is an important development in the successful treatment of these indications."

Symbollon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (OTCBB: SYMBA) is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of proprietary drugs based on its molecular iodine technology. Symbollon is conducting a Phase III clinical trial evaluating IoGen as a potential treatment for moderate to severe periodic pain and tenderness (clinical mastalgia) associated with fibrocystic breast disease (FBD). FBD is a condition that affects approximately 20 to 33 million women in the U.S., and there are approximately 7 to 13 million women suffering from clinical periodic mastalgia. The Company believes IoGen also may be useful in treating and/or preventing endometriosis, ovarian cysts, and premenopausal breast cancer. For more information about Symbollon, visit the company's website at http://www.symbollon.com.

This news release contains statements by the Company that involve risks and uncertainties and may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements reflect management's current views and are based on certain assumptions. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated as a result of a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the risks and uncertainties associated with whether (i) future clinical trial results will support the use of IoGen for the treatment of fibrocystic breast disease, (ii) the clinical data acquired from Mimetix Inc. will be acceptable exposure data for IoGen, (iii) Symbollon will be able to obtain the resources necessary to continue as a going concern, (iv) IoGen will successfully complete the regulatory approval process, (v) competitive products will receive regulatory approval, (vi) the Company's ability to enter into new arrangements with corporate partners, (vii) the Company's partner for IoGen will be able to meet its financial obligation to pay for the IoGen clinical development and (viii) such other factors as may be disclosed from time-to-time in the Company's reports as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 CONTACTS: Paul C. Desjourdy President and CEO Symbollon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (508) 620-7676, x202 www.symbollon.com  Heather Kerwin Investor Relations Premier Funding & FMS 480 648-8223  

SOURCE: Symbollon Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Source: MARKET WIRE

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