Palatin Technologies, Inc. announced the realignment of its workforce and operations to reflect a strategic reassessment of its research and development activities and corporate objectives. As a result, Palatin will focus resources and efforts on clinical trials of bremelanotide for male and female sexual dysfunction and PL-3994 for acute severe asthma. In implementing this plan, Palatin is reducing its workforce by approximately 50 per cent and discontinuing research activities relating to the discovery of new compounds.

"After critically reviewing our current research and development operations and plans, as well as other business activities, we made the decision to reposition Palatin. We believe prioritizing our clinical programmes and focusing on advancing our clinical drug candidates can generate the most value for our stockholders," stated Dr Carl Spana, Palatin's president and chief executive officer.

Palatin also announced that it is implementing a one-for-ten reverse stock split of its common stock, effective with the opening of trading on September 27, 2010.

Palatin's strategic priorities; Sexual dysfunction: Bremelanotide for erectile dysfunction (ED): In the fourth quarter of calendar 2010 we intend to submit protocols to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for initiation of a phase 2 clinical trial of subcutaneously administered bremelanotide, as either monotherapy or a combination therapy with a PDE-5 inhibitor such as sildenafil, for men with ED who are non-responsive or inadequately responsive to PDE-5 inhibitor therapies alone. Assuming concurrence of the FDA, and depending on financial resources, this phase 2 clinical trial for men with ED could start as early as the first quarter of calendar 2011.

Bremelanotide for female sexual dysfunction (FSD): We are submitting protocols and a meeting request to the FDA for initiation of a phase 2 clinical trial of subcutaneously administered bremelanotide for women with FSD, and anticipate that the meeting will be held late in the fourth quarter of calendar 2010 or early in the first quarter of calendar 2011. Assuming concurrence of the FDA, and depending on financial resources, this phase 2 clinical trial for women with FSD could start as early as the first half of calendar 2011.

New peptides for sexual dysfunction: We intend to advance one or more of the peptides we have developed to preclinical toxicology and other studies required by the FDA prior to initiating human clinical trials

Asthma: PL-3994 for acute severe asthma: We have planned a proof-of-concept human trial for asthma using a subcutaneously administered formulation of PL-3994, and will submit an Investigational New Drug application to the FDA in the fourth quarter of calendar 2010 for this trial. We also have an inhalation formulation of PL-3994 under development. Depending on financial resources, either or both the proof-of-concept human trial and preclinical inhalation toxicity studies could start as early as the first quarter of calendar 2011.

Obesity: Active work by Palatin under the collaboration portion of its research collaboration and license agreement with AstraZeneca concluded in January 2010, but we are still providing certain clinical trial related and other services to AstraZeneca. We are eligible for milestone payments totalling up to $145 million, with up to $85 million contingent upon development and regulatory milestones and the balance on achievement of sales targets, plus royalties on sales of approved products. AstraZeneca has responsibility for product commercialization, product discovery and development costs.

Following the implementation of this realignment and restructuring program, Palatin's workforce will be reduced to 20 people by December 31, 2010. Palatin is providing severance and employee benefit continuation to the employees directly affected by the restructuring. Palatin anticipates incurring restructuring charges of approximately $800,000, primarily associated with personnel-related termination costs. As a result of this restructuring, Palatin's cash operating expenses are anticipated to decrease by approximately $1.4 million per quarter.

"Decisions like this are especially difficult," stated Dr. Spana. "We want to express our deep appreciation to the highly talented and dedicated individuals who will be leaving Palatin. They contributed significantly to our company in many ways and we are grateful for their insights, diligence and innovation, which have propelled the company forward and challenged us to be our best."

The company has implemented a one-for-ten reverse stock split of its common stock, which had been authorized by the stockholders at its annual meeting held on May 13, 2010. The reverse stock split, which becomes effective with the opening of trading on September 27, 2010, reduces the number of shares of common stock issued and outstanding from approximately 118.2 million to approximately 11.8 million. The reverse stock split was required by the NYSE Amex in order for Palatin to continue to list its common stock.

"After in-depth consideration of our options, the board of directors determined that maintaining listing status for its common stock on a national exchange was in the best interest of its stockholders," commented Stephen T. Wills, Palatin's chief financial officer. "By effecting a reverse stock split, Palatin will be in compliance with the NYSE Amex listing rules, and be in a position of greater flexibility to support the development of the company."

Palatin Technologies, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the development of peptide, peptide mimetic and small molecule agonists with a focus on melanocortin and natriuretic peptide receptor systems.