Enzo Biochem Reports Improvement in Key Indicators Among Subjects in Phase II Hepatitis B Study.

Business & Health Editors

NEW YORK--(BW HealthWire)--Oct. 12, 2001

Enzo Biochem, Inc. (NYSE: ENZ) today reported preliminary results of its Phase II clinical trial of EHT899, the Company's proprietary medicine for treating patients suffering from chronic active hepatitis associated with hepatitis B virus ("HBV").

The data indicate that the individuals treated with this oral immune regulation therapy showed improvement in key indicators of liver inflammation.

Approximately 75% of the HBV-infected subjects thus far treated orally with Enzo's EHT899 in the Phase II trial experienced improvement in one or more of the key end point parameters, including biopsy results, HBV viral load, liver enzymes and histology. Decreases in HBV viral load and improvement in liver function tests were observed in 46% of the trial subjects. Biopsy scores improved in 58% of the subjects, and histological improvement in liver necroinflammatory score was registered in 33%. The safety data indicate that the drug was well tolerated in all subjects.

The trial is ongoing and the subjects are continually being evaluated. These data are consistent with previously reported results of 15 subjects, of which 80% showed similar improvement.

"We are obviously encouraged by these findings," said Barry Weiner, President of Enzo. He commented on a recently published abstract of the Phase II trial to be presented at a meeting next month of the American Association for the Study of Liver Disease, during remarks delivered this morning at the UBS Warburg Global Life Sciences Conference here.

In the trial, 42 individuals were treated orally with EHT899 three times a week for 20 to 30 weeks, and followed for an additional 20 weeks. The trial was conducted at Hadassah Medical Center in Jerusalem, Israel. An estimated 350 million people worldwide suffer from hepatitis B and inflammatory livers, and therefore are at risk of death of liver disease.

Mr. Weiner, in his presentation, also discussed the current clinical trial for HGTV43, Enzo's proprietary genetic medicine treatment for HIV-infected individuals, where plans are proceeding for expanded trials and additional sites. In addition, Mr. Weiner commented on the status of other human clinical trials of Enzo's immune regulation therapy for individuals suffering from chronic active hepatitis associated with hepatitis C virus, hepatocellular cancer and Crohn's Disease. He also outlined in detail the activity of Enzo Life Sciences, and the Company's pioneering position in the field of genomics and Enzo's opportunities in the growing $2 billion clinical diagnostic field.

A recording of the full presentation can be accessed over the next four weeks by dialing 1-877-710-5304 (domestic) and 1-402-220-0702 (international).

Enzo Biochem is engaged in the research, development and manufacture of innovative health care products based on molecular biology and genetic engineering techniques, and in providing diagnostic services to the medical community. The Company's proprietary labeling and detection products for gene sequencing and genetic analysis with approximately 200 patents worldwide are sold to the life science market throughout the world. The Company's therapeutic division is conducting clinical trials for HIV-1-infected patients, for patients infected with hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C and its related hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer). Other therapeutic applications of Enzo's proprietary technology are directed towards the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The Company also holds a patent covering a method and materials for correcting point mutations or small insertions or deletions of genetic material that would allow for editing and correcting certain abnormalities in genes.

Except for historical information, the matters discussed in this news release may be considered 'forward-looking" statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended Such statements include declarations regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company and its management. Prospective investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could materially affect actual results. The Company disclaims any obligations to update any forward-looking statement as a result of developments occurring after the date of this press release.