Helix BioPharma Corp.: Agreement Reached To Extend Rights For Imunovir.

Business Editors & Health/Medical Writers

AURORA, Ontario--(BW HealthWire)--Feb. 1, 2002

Newport Pharmaceuticals Ltd. has agreed to extend its North American distribution agreement with Helix BioPharma (TSE:HBP) (FRANKFURT:HBP) (WKN: 918 846) subsidiary, Rivex Pharma Inc. for Imunovir(TM) (inosine pranobex). The agreement, which was due to expire, has now been extended for 2 additional years with an option to further extend the agreement to 5 years.

Imunovir(TM) has a proven safety record and is approved in 70 markets around the world for restoration of cell-mediated immunity in immunodepressed patients and a variety of virally-induced indications, such as measles, influenza and several viral respiratory infections. In Canada, Imunovir(TM) is registered for the treatment of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis.

Imunovir(TM) was the subject of a small pilot study, sponsored by Newport, to treat patients with chronic fatigue syndrome ("CFS"), also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis, as a first step toward registering the drug for this indication. The results of the study were encouraging and have been submitted for publication in a peer reviewed scientific journal.

Approximately 500,000 people in North America are believed to suffer from CFS, frequently exhibiting impaired cognitive ability, profound fatigue and disregulation of the immune system, often resulting in inability to work and a severe impairment of their quality of life.

Rivex Pharma Inc., a 100% owned subsidiary of Helix BioPharma Corp., markets and distributes several pharmaceuticals in Canada.

Helix BioPharma trades on the TSE and FSE under the symbol "HBP"

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