Proprietary skincare technology platform reaches market

PRINCETON, N.J., July 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Signum Biosciences announced that its partner, Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., has launched AFC Medirepair® with Signum's compound Arazine™ (n-acetyl-s-farnsylcysteine or AFC) in Japan.  Arazine™ is the first compound from Signum's novel anti-inflammatory platform to be commercialized from Signum's pipeline of Signal Transduction Modulators (STMs). The DRx AFC Medirepair® website can be found at: http://www.drx-web.com/aa/prod_afc.htm .

"We're excited to launch Arazine™ in the Japanese market providing a completely new and effective product for treating skin inflammation," said Signum president, Maxwell Stock.  "The commercialization of Arazine™ is a significant milestone for Signum and validates our underlying business model."

Arazine™ is a Signal Transduction Modulator (STM) with anti-inflammatory properties, which has been developed for topical skin treatment.  STMs block inflammation and neutrophil infiltration in chronic redness, acne, skin irritation, and other skin conditions by modulating G-protein signal transduction pathways.  They also act as antioxidants to neutralize free radicals and prevent UV damage, cellular degeneration and production of chemicals that cause further damage.  Arazine™ is closely followed by Signum's pipeline of compounds including SIG990 which is being developed for rosacea and other inflammatory skin conditions.

Signum and Rohto announced their strategic alliance to develop and commercialize skincare products in Japan during 2008.  Rohto gained semi-exclusive rights to develop and sell products in Japan that contain Signum's anti-inflammatory compound Arazine™.  

About Signum Biosciences.

Signum Biosciences is a private biotechnology company dedicated to developing small-molecule therapeutics derived from its Signal Transduction Modulation (STM) platform to modulate signal transduction imbalances. Through research on protein networks that control biological systems, Signum is developing therapeutic candidates for Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, diabetes, asthma and certain skin conditions. Signum's STM technology provides many opportunities for the development of novel consumer products and pharmaceutical candidates.

For more information please visit the Signum website: www.signumbiosciences.com

About Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

Rohto Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. is among the largest manufacturers and marketers of pharmaceutical and other healthcare products in Japan. Founded in 1899, the company is based in Osaka, Japan. Production sites include facilities in the U.S., Europe, Latin America, China and Southeast Asia with product distribution to over 150 countries including all of Asia, the Americas and Europe. In 1988 the company acquired management rights to prominent U.S. manufacturer, The Mentholatum Company, Inc. Corporate sales revenue in the latest fiscal year exceeded US$ 1 Billion. The Chairman and CEO is Mr. Kunio Yamada.

For more information please visit the Rohto website: www.rohto.co.jp/global

SOURCE Signum Biosciences

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