Rohto launches AFC Medirepair with Signum's compound Arazine in Japan

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™.