« Previous | Next » | All Messages |  NVLT Message Board Home | recommend post |  Ignore Poster

NVLT News Novelos Therapeutics Treatment Proposal for ARS Procurement Bypassed by HHS

NEWTON, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Novelos Therapeutics, Inc. (OTCBB: NVLT), a biotechnology company focused on the development of therapeutics to treat cancer and hepatitis, today announced that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) determined that Novelos’ proposal for the use of NOV-002 to treat subjects that may develop Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS) after exposure to high levels of penetrating radiation is no longer eligible for procurement under this specific award. Previously, in June 2006, HHS had informed Novelos that its proposal was within the competitive range, consisting of all the most highly rated proposals, for discussion and further evaluation.

“I was gratified that Novelos previously made it into the second round of HHS consideration, but treatment for acute radiation injury is tangential to our pivotal Phase 3 lung cancer trial, Phase 2 ovarian cancer trial, and a Phase 1b hepatitis C trial with our second compound,” said Harry Palmin, President and CEO of Novelos.

About Novelos Therapeutics, Inc.

Novelos Therapeutics, Inc. is a biotechnology company commercializing oxidized glutathione-based compounds for the treatment of cancer and hepatitis. NOV-002, the lead compound currently in Phase 3 development for lung cancer under a SPA and Fast Track, acts together with chemotherapy as a chemoprotectant and an immunomodulator. NOV-002 is also in Phase 2 development for chemotherapy-resistant ovarian cancer and is in addition being developed for acute radiation injury. NOV-205 acts as a hepatoprotective agent with immunomodulating and anti-inflammatory properties. NOV-205 is in Phase 1b development for chronic hepatitis C non-responders. Both compounds have completed clinical trials in humans and have been approved for use in the Russian Federation where they were originally developed. For additional information about Novelos please visit www.novelos.com.

This news release contains forward-looking statements. Such statements are valid only as of today, and we disclaim any obligation to update this information. These statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual future experience and results to differ materially from the statements made. These statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations as to such future outcomes. Drug discovery and development involve a high degree of risk. Factors that might cause such a material difference include, among others, uncertainties related to the ability to attract and retain partners for our technologies, the identification of lead compounds, the successful preclinical development thereof, the completion of clinical trials, the FDA review process and other government regulation, our pharmaceutical collaborators’ ability to successfully develop and commercialize drug candidates, competition from other pharmaceutical companies, product pricing and third-party reimbursement.