Atlantic report on potent analgesic/anti-inflammatory agent presented at international conference on prostaglandins and related compounds.

VIENNA, Austria--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 24, 1996--Atlantic Pharmaceuticals Inc.(Nasdaq Small Cap:ATLC) today announced the presentation of preclinical data demonstrating the potential safety and efficacy of Atlantic's developmental analgesic/anti-inflammatory compound, CT-3.

The poster presentation of the scientific paper, titled "CT-3: A Potent Anti-Inflammatory Agent with a Cannabinoid Template Structure," was given by Sumner H. Burstein, Ph.D., Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, at the 10th International Conference on Prostaglandins and Related Compounds in Vienna.

Inflammation is the body's primary method for repairing tissue damage and protecting against infection. In certain cases, however, the inflammatory response malfunctions or occurs chronically, which can result in significant pain and disability. Currently, the most commonly prescribed analgesic/anti-inflammatory medications are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and indomethacin. Although moderately effective, the potential side effects of NSAIDs include increased risk of ulceration and gastrointestinal bleeding.

The discovery of cannabinoid receptors and an endogenous ligand, arachidonoyl ethanolamide, has renewed interest in finding nonpsychoactive derivatives of cannabinoids with medicinal properties. CT-3 is a candidate molecule for the development of such a drug. It is highly potent and efficacious in reducing paw edema in the mouse (ED-50; 25 microgram/kilogram). At similar doses, it increases latency in the mouse hot plate assay (55 C). It also reduces by 50 percent the effects of adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats. Inhibition of calcium ionophore-stimulated prostaglandin synthesis in macrophages at 2 micro Molar levels suggests an eicosanoid-mediated mechanism for these effects. There was no significant cataleptic response in mice at 40 times the therapeutic dose, indicating a lack of central nervous system (CNS) effects. These data, combined with the known low toxicities of cannabinoids, suggest that CT-3 would be a safe and useful agent for the treatment of pain and inflammation.

"This early data suggests that CT-3 may potentially provide more potent treatment, with fewer side effects, than the NSAIDs commonly prescribed today," said J.D. Lindjord, President and Chief Executive Officer of Atlantic. "We are encouraged by the evident potential of CT-3 and believe that it could become a safe and effective new treatment for pain and inflammation."

Atlantic Pharmaceuticals, based in Half Moon Bay, Calif., is a biopharmaceutical company developing pharmaceutical and biomedical products for a variety of therapeutic areas. Currently, Atlantic is developing novel technologies in the areas of cataract removal, antisense gene therapy, prevention of vascular restenosis following coronary angioplasty, and anti-inflammatory/analgesic drugs.

As with any company developing novel therapeutics, Atlantic may make certain forward-looking statements that relate to future events or future business and financial performance. Such statements can only be predictions and the actual events or results may differ from those discussed due, among other things, to those risks described in the company's reports on Forms 10-QSB and 10-KSB. -0- Editor's Notes:

For more information on Atlantic's novel technologies and unique corporate vision, as well as biographical information on its management team and a copy of this release, visit Atlantic's homepage on the Internet at http://www.atlan.com. This release is also available at http://www.noonanrusso.com.

A fact sheet on Atlantic is also available via fax through October 8 by calling [phone] ext. 329 and requesting document number 900.

CONTACT: Atlantic Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

J.D. Lindjord, President and CEO 

415/726-1327

e-mail: [e-mail]

or

Noonan/Russo Communications, Inc.

212/696-4455

Rich Tammero (media) ext. 222

Amy Martini (investor) ext. 255

e-mail: [e-mail]