BioMS Medical initiates enrollment in pivotal Phase II/III multiple sclerosis tr

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BioMS Medical initiates enrollment in pivotal Phase II/III multiple sclerosis trial

Toronto Stock Exchange Symbol: MS

EDMONTON, Dec. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - BioMS Medical Corp (TSX: MS),

a leading developer in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS), today

announced that the first patients have been enrolled in its pivotal Phase

II/III clinical trial of MBP8298, a proprietary synthetic peptide for the

treatment of secondary progressive multiple sclerosis, which affects

approximately 40% of the estimated 2.5 million MS patients worldwide.

"Today's announcement signifies a major milestone for both the

advancement of our lead drug and for the worldwide MS community," said

Mr. Giese, President of BioMS Medical. "Most current and emerging

therapies do not target secondary progressive MS, so for people suffering

from this form of the disease, there are really limited treatment options

available."

The trial is expected to enroll up to 553 patients and will be a

double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving multiple trial sites.

Patients will be administered either MBP8298 or placebo intravenously every

six months for a period of two years. The primary clinical endpoint for the

trial is defined as a statistically and clinically significant increase in the

time to progression of the disease as measured by the Expanded Disability

Status Scale (EDSS) in the previously identified responder group, patients

with immune response genes HLA-DR2 or HLA-DR4. Patients with the immune

response genes, HLA-DR2 or HLA-DR4, account for up to 75% of the MS patient

population.

"This trial has been designed to confirm the efficacy and safety shown by

MBP8298 in previous clinical trials, particularly in patients with specific

genetic profiles often associated with MS. We also anticipate gathering

additional data regarding the potential of this treatment in patients with

other types of MS," said Dr. Leopold Arfors, Medical Director.

MS is an unpredictable, at times disabling disease of the central nervous

system. The disease attacks the protective myelin covering of the central

nervous system, causing inflammation and often destroying the myelin in

patches. Canada has one of the highest rates of MS in the world.

Further information regarding the enrollment of patients can be heard on

audio archive at the company's website at http://www.biomsmedical.com

About BioMS Medical Corp.

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BioMS Medical Corp. is a biotechnology company dedicated to the

development and commercialization of innovative therapies. BioMS Medical's

lead drug, MBP8298, is a patented technology for the treatment of multiple

sclerosis and is currently in a pivotal Phase II/III clinical trial. The

Company is poised to initiate a Phase I clinical trial for HYC750, a

therapeutic designed to mobilize stem cells and neutrophils for the treatment

of cancer therapy related side-effects. BioMS also has an equity interest in

BioCyDex, a private company developing technology for the delivery and imaging

of genes in cells.

This news release may contain certain forward-looking statements that

reflect the current views and/or expectations of BioMS Medical with respect to

its performance, business and future events. Such statements are subject to a

number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Actual results and events may

vary significantly.

SOURCE BioMS Medical Corp.

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