BIOCRYST AND UAB RESEARCH FOUNDATION SIGN AGREEMENT TO DEVELOP FLU INHIBITOR.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.--(HealthWire)--November 29, 1994--BioCryst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: BCRX) announced today that it has signed a multi-year research and development agreement with the Research Foundation of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) to design, synthesize and develop inhibitors of the enzyme influenza neuraminidase to be used in the treatment of influenza. Commonly known as "the flu," influenza is a viral disease that afflicts 20 million to 40 million people each year in the United States. It is particularly dangerous to the very young, the elderly and/or debilitated patients, and those who have suppressed immune systems.

This agreement formalizes an existing relationship between the UAB Research Foundation and the Company. Since the early 1980s, UAB scientists have been investigating the active site and function of the enzyme influenza neuraminidase, which is believed to permit the major strains of the flu virus to invade human cells. Scientists at UAB and BioCryst have characterized the molecular structure of the enzyme and have initiated the design and synthesis of specific inhibitors of influenza neuraminidase.

Under the terms of the agreement, BioCryst will provide research and development payments and make certain royalty payments based upon future commercialization, while retaining the exclusive right to commercialize the scientific outcome of the joint research effort. Under the supervision of John A. Montgomery, Ph.D., Executive Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer of BioCryst, a drug design team will coordinate and conduct all research and drug development prior to initiating clinical studies. The drug design team from UAB will consist of Gillian M. Air, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Microbiology; Ming Luo, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology and Associate Director of the Center for Macromolecular Crystallography; and Wayne J. Brouillette, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry.

"The overall objective of this collaboration is to discover new inhibitors of influenza neuraminidase that demonstrate properties appropriate to, and effective for, the treatment of flu in humans," said Charles E. Bugg, Ph.D. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BioCryst. "With a staff of highly trained scientists, fully equipped laboratory facilities and technical and administrative support provided by UAB, together with funding, strategic direction and broad pharmaceutical research capabilities provided by BioCryst, we believe this joint effort will accelerate our progress toward achieving our drug development goals."

Founded in 1986, BioCryst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. designs and develops novel small-molecule pharmaceuticals using structure-based drug design, an approach to drug discovery that integrates advanced biology, biophysics and medicinal chemistry. BioCryst is currently applying this approach to develop drug treatments for autoimmune, cardiovascular and infectious diseases.

CONTACT: BioCryst Pharmaceuticals

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