Ampio Pharmaceuticals Expands Patent Portfolio of Drugs for Treating Inflammatory Diseases

GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo., Nov. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Ampio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMPE) ("Ampio" or the "Company"), a company that discovers and develops new uses for previously approved drugs and new molecular entities ("NMEs"), today announced that it has received PTO notification of the allowance of two important U.S. patents. The first patent is directed to a unique class of compounds that combine elements of diketopiperazines (same class as Ampion™) and methylphenidate derivatives. The second patent is directed to novel derivatives of methylphenidate (Ritalin). Both patents contain not only use claims for these novel compounds, and pharmaceutical compositions containing them, but also composition of matter claims.

Dr. David Bar-Or, Chief Science Officer of Ampio, explained, "These novel classes of compounds have demonstrated strong anti-angiogenic activity, anti-proliferative properties in several cancer cell lines, anti-inflammatory activity in various immune activated cell lines (including T cell mediated responses) and other potentially clinically useful responses. The mechanism of action of these compounds is novel and involves, among many findings, the activation of a specific phosphatase, a specific intracellular enzyme."

Dr. Bar-Or further noted, "Lead compounds from each of the two patented classes have been selected, synthesized and tested in-vitro in various human cell lines and are being considered for clinical use for treating Glioblastoma multiforme, a fatal brain cancer, inflammatory breast cancer and for autoimmune/inflammatory conditions, including ophthalmic disorders."

"The company has advanced these compounds to full development status," said Ampio CEO Don Wingerter, "and now that our patent protection is in place, we will begin exploring licensing opportunities for these promising drug candidates."

About Ampio

Ampio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. develops innovative proprietary drugs for metabolic disease, eye disease, kidney disease, inflammation, CNS disease, and male sexual dysfunction. The product pipeline includes new uses for previously approved drugs and new molecular entities ("NMEs").  By concentrating on development of new uses for previously approved drugs, approval timelines, costs and risk of clinical failure are reduced because these drugs have strong potential to be safe and effective while their shorter development times can significantly increase near term value. A key strategy includes actively exploring partnership, licensing and other collaboration opportunities to maximize Ampio's product development programs. For more information about Ampio, please visit our website, www.ampiopharma.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Ampio's statements in this press release that are not historical fact and that relate to future plans or events are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by use of words such as "believe," "expect," "plan," "anticipate," and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements include risks associated with clinical trials, expected results, regulatory approvals, and changes in business conditions and similar events. The risks and uncertainties involved include those detailed from time to time in Ampio's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Ampio's Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.

Contact:
Investor Relations, Ampio Pharmaceuticals, Inc.   720-437-6500

SOURCE Ampio Pharmaceuticals, Inc.