Advanced Life Sciences scientific publication demonstrates triterpenoids' potential as anticancer agents

Advanced Life Sciences Holdings, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: ADLS), a biopharmaceutical company engaged in the discovery, development and commercialization of novel drugs in the therapeutic areas of infection, oncology and respiratory diseases, today announced the publication of a research paper in the journal Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry Letters that reports data using the Company's core triterpenoid platform technology in the discovery and development of new cancer therapeutic agents.

Scientists at Advanced Life Sciences have identified a novel class of proprietary triterpenoids that cause cell death predominantly via the induction of apoptosis, which is a highly regulated process by which excessive or harmful cells are eliminated in order to maintain normal cell development and tissue homeostasis.  Defects in the apoptotic cellular machinery and apoptosis inducing pathways often result in uncontrolled cell proliferation, tumor development and other malignant diseases.  Resistance to apoptosis contributes greatly to the failure of cancer prevention and treatment.  Thus, the triterpenoids discovered in this study may lead to important new therapeutic agents in the treatment of cancer.  The article published online ahead of print can be found at http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.bmcl.2010.07.120

"Today's scientific publication demonstrating the potential of triterpenoids as potent anticancer agents, as well as the results we have generated showing the anti-infective activity of triterpenoids against a variety of viral and bacterial pathogens, underscore the therapeutic and commercial potential of this novel class of compounds and the productivity of our internal research and development capability," said Dr. Michael T. Flavin, chief executive officer of Advanced Life Sciences. "We look forward to advancing selected compounds into preclinical development and to sharing these results with potential corporate partners."