Advanced Viral Research Corp. to Initiate Phase II Trial in Cancer Patients.

YONKERS, N.Y. -- Advanced Viral Research Corp. (OTCBB:ADVR), a research based biopharmaceutical company dedicated to anti-cancer drug discovery and development, announced today plans to initiate a Phase II clinical trial to evaluate the effectiveness of its compound AVR118 in the treatment of cachexia-related symptoms in cancer patients. The trial will be run at the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) in Montreal, Quebec. MUHC is one of the most comprehensive academic health centers in North America, representing five teaching hospitals affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine of McGill University.

This study will enroll a minimum of 14 patients who have cancer and show signs of cachexia, which is a syndrome consisting of pronounced muscle wasting, anorexia (appetite loss), and severe fatigue. Dr. Martin Chasen, a medical oncologist / palliative care physician and Clinical Director of the McGill Cancer Nutrition and Rehabilitation Program at McGill University, has been named Principal Investigator. Also included in the team is Professor Neil MacDonald, a well-recognized expert in the field. Pending the outcome of the first 14 patients, there is a provision to increase enrollment to 32 patients or more.

According to Chasen, "as a palliative care oncologist I am excited to be involved in a potential new form of treatment for the debilitating effects of cancer and the side effects of the drugs used to treat it. While there have been tremendous efforts to develop anti-cancer drugs, there has been paucity in the development of new drugs to treat the symptoms associated with this disease."

"We are fortunate to have the opportunity to work with the internationally renowned team of investigators at McGill," said Stephen M. Elliston, President and Chief Executive Officer of ADVR. "Their reputation in palliative care research is recognized by medical oncologists throughout the world," added Elliston.

Advanced Viral Research Corp. is a New York based biopharmaceutical company dedicated to improving patients' lives by researching, developing and bringing to market new and effective therapies for the control of symptoms associated with cancer and other serious diseases. Its initial compound AVR118 represents a new class of cytoprotective agent that targets, among other things, cachexia related disorders. AVR118 has also shown to have topical wound healing properties in animal models. Various degenerative conditions associated with body wasting (cachexia) such as cancer, HIV-AIDS and chronic inflammation are potential disease targets for AVR118 therapy.

Note: This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks associated with clinical development, regulatory approvals, including application to the FDA, product commercialization and other risks described from time to time in the SEC reports filed by the Company. AVR118 is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or any comparable agencies of any other countries. There is no assurance that the Company will be able to secure the financing necessary to continue and/or complete the clinical trials of AVR118 or satisfy certain other conditions relating to clinical trials including obtaining adequate insurance on terms acceptable to the Company. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information contained in this announcement whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise.

For further information regarding Advanced Viral Research Corp., please visit our website at http://www.adviral.com.