S*BIO Expands Pipeline With the Development of a Unique Flt3 -CDK Inhibitor as a Targeted Therapy for Acute Leukemias

    SINGAPORE, Nov. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- S*BIO Pte Ltd today announced the
 expansion of its proprietary pipeline, with its third development
 candidate, SB1317. This is a novel orally-available small molecule compound
 targeted for the treatment of acute leukemias.
 
     SB1317 is designed to selectively inhibit major signalling pathways
 involving Flt3 and CDK, which impact disease progression in acute
 leukemias. Flt3 mutations are the most frequent genetic alterations
 reported in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients and are associated with a
 poor prognosis. In addition, over-expression of wild type Flt3 has been
 found in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients. Cyclin-dependent
 kinases or CDKs play important roles in cell cycle control. By inhibiting
 both Flt3 and CDK kinases, SB1317 is uniquely positioned as a
 "first-in-class" compound to treat relapsed and refractory acute leukemias.
 SB1317 has already entered preclinical development.
 
     "The ability to maintain long-term control in AML and ALL remains one
 of the most significant unmet medical needs in the adult leukemia market.
 SB1317 has been designed with this in mind, and we believe it has the
 potential to become a first of its kind Flt3 inhibitor to specifically
 target this group of patients," said Dr. Jan-Anders Karlsson, CEO of S*BIO,
 "With its ideal profile for treating relapsed and refractory AML and ALL,
 SB1317 provides an opportunity for S*BIO to expand its portfolio of new
 targeted therapies for hematological disorders."
 
     Approximately 300,000 new cases of leukemia are diagnosed worldwide
 each year, and there are about 36,000 new cases of acute leukemia in the
 seven major pharmaceutical markets*. Acute leukemia is characterized by
 rapid growth and accumulation of immature blood cells in the bone marrow.
 This results in fewer normal blood cells. Relapse rates following
 conventional leukemia treatments remain high and limited treatment options
 exist for patients who relapse after standard induction and post-remission
 chemotherapy. The 5 year overall survival rate for elderly patients with
 AML is 5-15% and about 30% in younger adults*.
 
     About S*BIO Pte Ltd
 
     S*BIO is a privately-held biotech company focused on the research and
 clinical development of novel targeted small molecule drugs for the
 treatment of cancer with leading programs around histone deacetylases
 (HDAC) and kinases. Its lead candidate, SB939, has entered the clinic in 2Q
 2007. It recently announced that a second compound, SB1518, would enter the
 clinic in 1H 2008.
 
     In line with its vision to be a leading fully-integrated
 oncology-focused biotech company in Asia Pacific, S*BIO has established a
 state-of-the-art R&D infrastructure, complemented by a strong clinical
 development team. S*BIO has strong linkages with a network of medical
 oncologists in Asia Pacific and its investors include Bio*One Capital,
 Novartis Bioventures and other international funds. More information about
 S*BIO can be found at www.sbio.com.
 
 

     S*BIO Pte Ltd:
     Stephen Keith Rhind, Ph.D.
     Senior Vice President, Corporate Development
     Tel: +65 6827 5000 (Singapore)
     Stephen_rhind@sbio.com
 
     Russo Partners:
     Tony Russo +1 212-845-4251
     Tony.Russo@russopartnersllc.com
 
     Andreas Marathovouniotis +1 212-845-4253
     Andreas.Marathis@russopartnersllc.com
 
     *source: Datamonitor
 
 

SOURCE S*BIO Pte Ltd