Pieris Announces Positive Preclinical Data on c-Met Anticalin Drug Program

Freising-Weihenstephan (ots) - Novel Approach with PRS-110 Shows
Dose-dependent Response in Cancer Model

Pieris AG announced today preclinical data for its proprietary
PRS-110 Anticalin" compound, which targets the c-Met receptor,
demonstrating a dose-dependant reduction of tumor growth in a
xenograft mouse model. The results provide an indication that an
Anticalin approach to antagonizing the c-Met pathway may be of
significant therapeutic value in treating cancer. A broad body of
research has shown that c-Met plays a role in several mechanisms by
which cancer cells proliferate and escape programmed cell death.

"These preclinical data firmly support our conviction that an
Anticalin, which is monomeric by nature, is particularly suited for
antagonizing a receptor activated through dimerization such as
c-Met," stated Stephen Yoder, CEO of Pieris. "Based on the strength
of these data, we have initiated additional studies in multiple
models to further validate this exciting compound."

Produced in a tumor xenograft mouse model of cancer autocrine for
the production of human HGF ligand, the data show potent
dose-dependant inhibition of tumor growth by PRS-110 as compared to
the untreated animals. PRS-110 targets c-Met, or
mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor, which is a receptor often
activated on cancer cells, and plays a role in cancer cell
proliferation, metastasis and angiogenesis.

Pieris has developed its anti-c-Met PRS-110 compound using its
proprietary Anticalin technology. Anticalins are engineered
lipocalins, endogenous low-molecular weight human proteins typically
found in blood plasma and other body fluids that naturally bind,
store and transport a wide spectrum of molecules. Through its
proprietary libraries, the company can rapidly generate Anticalins
against a broad spectrum of therapeutic targets.

About Pieris Pieris AG is an independent biotechnology company
advancing its proprietary Anticalin" technology to create safer, more
efficacious and more convenient protein therapeutics. Exclusive to
Pieris, Anticalin-based drugs promise to address high-unmet medical
needs and expand the therapeutic potential of current targeted
approaches. Pieris' pipeline ranges from its lead compound
(anti-VEGF, oncology), entering the clinic in the first half of 2010,
to multiple Anticalins in preclinical development. Pieris will
commercialize Anticalin therapeutics through strategic partnerships,
involving both its proprietary pipeline and its de novo drug
discovery capabilities. Its most recent partnership is with
Allergan, Inc. (NYSE: AGN), focusing on novel treatments for eye
diseases. Privately held, Pieris has been funded by premier
biotechnology-focused venture capital, including lead investors
OrbiMed Advisors and Global Life Science Ventures.

Originaltext: Pieris AG
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For further information, please contact:
Pieris AG
Stephen Yoder, CEO
Phone +49 (0) 8161 1411 400
Email: yoder@pieris-ag.com