PharmAthene presents Protexia clinical trial results at PHEMCE conference

PharmAthene, Inc. (NYSE Amex: PIP), a biodefense company developing medical countermeasures against biological and chemical threats, today announced Phase I clinical trial results for Protexia®, a pegylated recombinant version of human butyrylcholinesterase (rBChE), which has been shown to be effective in animal models in preventing toxicity from exposure to chemical nerve agents. The results were presented in an oral presentation on Friday, December 4, 2009, at the Health and Human Services Public Health Emergency Medical Countermeasures Enterprise (PHEMCE) Stakeholders Workshop 2009 / BARDA Industry Day, in Washington, D.C.

"We are delighted to have the opportunity to present these positive data for Protexia® (peg-rBChE) at the PHEMCE conference," commented David P. Wright, President and Chief Executive Officer. "These initial safety data in humans, coupled with available efficacy data in animals, suggest the potential for Protexia® as a valuable medical countermeasure for nerve agent toxicity. Preclinical studies suggest that in contrast to currently available treatments, Protexia® is the first medical countermeasure that can provide protection against both the physiological and neurological toxicities associated with nerve agent poisoning."

"We are very grateful for the strong support PharmAthene has received from the Chemical Biological Medical Systems (CBMS) group within the Department of Defense (DoD), which has responsibility for overseeing all of the development activities for Protexia® under our advanced development and procurement contract with DoD," continued Mr. Wright. "We continue to enjoy a very productive collaboration with both CBMS and the Department of Health and Human Services, as these agencies have worked closely together to ensure the advancement of novel medical countermeasures for our nation's military personnel and citizens."