Alteon Inc has been granted a key patent on a new class of orally available glucose lowering agents (GLA). These compounds significantly lower blood glucose levels and free fatty acids in preclinical models of Type II diabetes. U.S. Patent # 6,326,396 "Glucose and Lipid Lowering Compounds," brings Alteon's total number of U.S. patents to 100.

Alteon's GLA series is comprised of a lead compound and several analogs. This novel class of drugs has similar therapeutic benefits to glitazone compounds, a class of compounds that has been the focus of other pharmaceutical companies because of its beneficial effect on glucose, insulin and triglycerides, yet it does not exhibit the toxicities that have been associated with them.

Additionally, the GLA class of agents is chemically distinct from the glitazone compounds and has a different mechanism of action. GLA compounds are under preclinical evaluation at Alteon.

Another recently issued patent, U.S. Patent # 6,319,934, "Reversing Advanced Glycosylation Crosslinks Using Heterocyclic-Substituted Thiazolium Compounds" expands Alteon's proprietary position in A.G.E. crosslink breaking. A.G.E. Crosslink Breakers offer the possibility of the first therapeutic approach to reverse cardiovascular disease and other age-related disorders by cleaving Advanced Glycosylation End-product (A.G.E.) crosslinks between proteins, thereby restoring flexibility and elasticity to stiffened tissues.

Alteon's lead A.G.E. Crosslink Breaker, ALT-711, is in two Phase IIb clinical trials to reverse the stiffening of the arteries that contributes to systolic hypertension. This treatment approach is different from any currently prescribed drug for high blood pressure, or any other in clinical development.

"These patents are an important step for Alteon as we expand our product pipeline with novel compounds that impact all segments of the A.G.E. Pathway," said Kenneth I. Moch, President and Chief Executive Officer.