SciClone Co-Sponsors the Boomer Esiason Foundation's Annual Fundraiser for Cystic Fibrosis Research
05:55 p.m Feb 24, 1998 Eastern

SAN MATEO, Calif., Feb. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- SciClone Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: SCLN), a leader in cystic fibrosis research, announced today that it is a co-sponsor of the Fifth Annual "Booming Celebration." The premiere gala, to be held on Saturday, February 28 at The Plaza in New York City, is a benefit for the Boomer Esiason Foundation, which provides financial support for research aimed at finding a cure for cystic fibrosis.

The Boomer Esiason Foundation was established in 1993 by NFL quarterback and ABC sports broadcaster Boomer Esiason after his young son, Gunnar, was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. In addition to supporting research, the Foundation works to heighten awareness of cysticfibrosis and to provide a better quality of life for those affected by the disease.

The event will feature live entertainment and dancing, as well as a silent auction including sports memorabilia signed by athletes such as Michael Jordan, Wayne Gretzky, Shaquille O'Neal and Steve Young.

"We are delighted to support the Boomer Esiason Foundation's efforts to raise awareness and generate crucial research funding for cystic fibrosis," said Don Sellers, SciClone's President and Chief Executive Officer. "The Foundation enables valuable links between the medical and business communities and has helped us with our clinical programs for CPX, our new drug in clinical development for cystic fibrosis. CPX is a new protein-repair therapy targeting the two key molecular defects in more than 70% of cystic fibrosis patients -- impaired chloride ion transport and abnormal protein trafficking."

"The Boomer Esiason Foundation welcomes SciClone's participation in our fundraising event," said David Rimington, the Foundation's President. "We are also enthusiastic about the potential for CPX to be a breakthrough therapy for cystic fibrosis patients. The drug appears to repair the underlying causes of cystic fibrosis rather than simply treating the symptoms of the disease," he added.

SciClone's CPX is in a Phase I/II single-ascending oral dose clinical trial in cystic fibrosis patients. SciClone expects to complete this study by the end of the first quarter of 1998. The Company plans to start its first CPX Phase II study, a multiple-ascending oral dose trial, during the third quarter of 1998 and complete this trial by the end of the year.

The Food and Drug Administration has granted CPX orphan drug status and provided SciClone a $100,000 grant for its clinical development. Unlike most drugs, the FDA also waived the requirement that CPX be tested first in healthy volunteers, enabling the drug to enter a fast track development program directly in patients. SciClone has the exclusive license for CPX from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation provided substantial financial support for early CPX research conducted at the NIH.

Cystic fibrosis is caused by defective CFTR, the protein responsible for the transport of chloride ions from epithelial cells which line organs such as the lungs and pancreas to the outer cell surfaces. In cystic fibrosis, chloride ion transport is blocked and the body produces a thick, sticky mucus that clogs the airways and leads to fatal lung infections. There are approximately 70,000 cystic fibrosis patients worldwide, including 30,000 in the U.S. and 30,000 in Europe.

SciClone Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is an international biopharmaceutical company that acquires, develops and commercializes specialist-oriented drugs for treating chronic and life-threatening diseases, including hepatitis B, hepatitis C and cystic fibrosis. Press releases and corporate information are available on the Internet at www.sciclone.com and can be requested by fax at 800-996-7256. SOURCE SciClone Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

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Copyright 1998, PR Newswire

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