Alfacell begins new clinical trial in pancreatic cancer; Study to compare its ONCONASE + tamoxifen vs. GEMZAR.

BLOOMFIELD, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 20, 1996--Alfacell Corp. (OTCBB:ACEL) announced today that it has begun a new Phase III multi-center, randomized trial comparing its novel cancer therapeutic ONCONASE(R) used in combination with tamoxifen to GEMZAR(R) in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.

This trial will compare both survival and quality of life of these patients. According to the American Cancer Society, pancreatic cancer is the fifth most common cause of cancer deaths and is responsible for approximately 28,000 deaths annually. More importantly, the incidence has tripled in the past 40 years.

"Pancreatic cancer is one of the most difficult tumors to treat," stated Philomena McAndrew, M.D., Medical Oncologist, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles. "In the advanced stage, many patients die within 90 days of diagnosis -- thus underscoring the need for more treatment options that allow terminal patients to enjoy a better quality and quantity of life."

Alfacell believes that this protocol will provide important information on the comparative efficacy and safety of these two regimens since GEMZAR is the first drug in several decades approved by the Food and Drug Administration for patients with pancreatic cancer. Data from this study will be included in the company's New Drug Application (NDA) and will be useful in the planning of its worldwide marketing strategy for ONCONASE. Alfacell's ongoing Phase III clinical trial, initiated in December 1995, will now include patients who have been previously treated with GEMZAR.

"This expansion of our pancreatic cancer clinical program will not only maximize the opportunity for patients to receive alternative therapies, but will also allow the oncology community to better assess therapeutic options for disease management in the future," stated Stanislaw Mikulski, M.D., Alfacell's medical director.

Developed by Alfacell scientists, ONCONASE is a novel RNase protein used in the investigational treatment of patients with solid tumors, most of which are resistant to other chemotherapeutic drugs. ONCONASE, the only cytotoxic RNase currently in clinical trials, has been used in the treatment of over 350 patients with a variety of solid tumors and has demonstrated in vitro and in vivo activity in multiple-drug resistance (MDR) tumor models. MDR is thought to be responsible for approximately 90% of chemotherapy failures. In addition to the company's clinical program for pancreatic cancer, Alfacell is also conducting a multi-center Phase II clinical trial in patients with malignant mesothelioma.

Alfacell Corp., a biopharmaceutical company located in Bloomfield, is engaged primarily in the research and development of novel ribonuclease enzymes for various therapeutic applications. The company's common stock is traded in the over-the-counter market under the symbol "ACEL".

CONTACT: Alfacell Corp.

Donna Brasko, 201/748-8082