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ZaBeCor Pharmaceuticals Announces Formation of Biothorpe Pharmaceuticals

ZaBeCor Pharmaceuticals ("ZaBeCor") announces today the formation of its new subsidiary Biothorpe Pharmaceuticals ("Biothorpe" or the "Company"), a biotechnology company focused on the development of siRNA, antisense and other molecular technologies for the treatment of cancer. Recent studies in academia and in the biopharmaceutical industry indicate that Syk kinase is required for the proliferation of malignant cells in several cancers. Biothorpe's intellectual property portfolio includes the therapeutic use of siRNA and other oligonucleotides directed at Syk kinase.

The Company intends to license its intellectual property for the treatment of three cancers: Acute Myelogenous Leukemia, B-Cell Lymphoma and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Biothorpe's intellectual property is based upon research conducted at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and focuses on applications of siRNA to the molecular protein Syk kinase.

"We are excited to announce the formation of Biothorpe and believe that the Company will become a leader in cancer therapeutics," said Alan D. Schreiber, M.D., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ZaBeCor and Biothorpe. "ZaBeCor will continue to focus on inflammatory disorders, particularly on developing our anti-inflammatory drug candidate Excellair™, while Biothorpe builds upon the ground-breaking research of applying siRNA technology toward malignant cells in the blood and lymphatic system. Together, we can use our expertise in inflammation, oncology and hematology to help develop treatments to save lives."

About Biothorpe

Biothorpe (www.biothorpe.com) is a biotechnology company focused on the development of siRNA, antisense and other molecular technologies for the treatment of cancer.

About ZaBeCor

ZaBeCor (www.zabecor.com) is a biotechnology company focused on the development of siRNA, antisense and other molecular technologies for the treatment of asthma, allergy, arthritis, cardiovascular disease and other inflammatory disorders.