IDP Idera Pharmaceuticals

Idera Pharmaceuticals (AMEX: IDP) today presented data for a novel class of compounds which act as antagonists of specific Toll-Like Receptors (TLR). In preclinical studies, these antagonists have been shown to block immune activation through TLR7, 8, and 9, as evaluated by use of agonists specific to these receptors. The antagonists have been shown to be specific for TLR7, 8, and 9, as immune activation by agonists to other TLRs was not blocked. The oral presentation entitled �DNA-based antagonists for TLR7, 8, and 9: Potential applications in autoimmune disorders� (Abstract # BRC2) was made at the Innate Immune Receptors and Responses session during the American College of Rheumatology Basic Research Conference being held in Washington, D.C., today beginning at 10:35 a.m. ET. �Our chemistry-based drug discovery platform allows us to continually expand our understanding of the structure-activity relationships of TLR modulators,� said Sudhir Agrawal, D. Phil., Chief Executive Officer and Chief Scientific Officer. �Through our program we have identified a novel class of compounds that act as antagonists for specific TLRs. We currently are evaluating these antagonists in preclinical autoimmune disease models.� �Based on the productivity of our drug discovery platform, we are developing a broad portfolio of potential TLR modulators, including DNA-based agonists of TLR9, RNA-based agonists of TLR7 and TLR8, and DNA-based antagonists of TLR 7, 8 and 9,� commented Robert W. Karr, M.D., President. �By inhibiting activation of immune responses through TLR 7, 8, and 9, our novel antagonists may have potential applications in the treatment of certain autoimmune diseases.� About Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Idera Pharmaceuticals is a drug discovery and development company that is developing drug candidates to treat cancer and infectious, respiratory, autoimmune diseases, and for use as vaccine adjuvants. Idera�s proprietary drug candidates are designed to modulate TLRs, the body�s first line of immune defense. Idera�s pioneering DNA chemistry expertise enables it to identify drug candidates for internal development and creates opportunities for multiple collaborative alliances. Idera�s most advanced clinical candidate, IMO-2055, is an agonist of TLR9 and is currently in a Phase 2 monotherapy trial and a Phase 1/2 chemotherapy combination trial in oncology. Idera has selected a second TLR9 agonist, IMO-2125, as a lead candidate for treating infectious diseases. Idera also is collaborating with Novartis for the discovery, optimization, development, and commercialization of additional TLR9 agonists for asthma and allergy. For more information, visit www.iderapharma.com. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. For this purpose, any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Without limiting the foregoing, the words "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "estimates," "intends," "should," "could," "will," "may," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause Idera�s actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including whether products based on Idera�s technology will advance into or through the clinical trial process on a timely basis or at all and receive approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration or equivalent foreign regulatory agencies; whether the Company will complete enrollment of clinical trials in the time expected; whether, if the Company�s products receive approval, they will be successfully distributed and marketed; whether the results of preclinical studies such as the studies referred to in this release will be indicative of results that may be obtained in clinical trials; whether Idera�s cash resources will be sufficient to fund product development and clinical trials; and such other important factors as are set forth under the caption "Risk Factors" in Idera�s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 14, 2006, which important factors are incorporated herein by reference. Idera disclaims any intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements. Idera Pharmaceuticals (AMEX: IDP) today presented data for a novel class of compounds which act as antagonists of specific Toll-Like Receptors (TLR). In preclinical studies, these antagonists have been shown to block immune activation through TLR7, 8, and 9, as evaluated by use of agonists specific to these receptors. The antagonists have been shown to be specific for TLR7, 8, and 9, as immune activation by agonists to other TLRs was not blocked. The oral presentation entitled "DNA-based antagonists for TLR7, 8, and 9: Potential applications in autoimmune disorders" (Abstract # BRC2) was made at the Innate Immune Receptors and Responses session during the American College of Rheumatology Basic Research Conference being held in Washington, D.C., today beginning at 10:35 a.m. ET. "Our chemistry-based drug discovery platform allows us to continually expand our understanding of the structure-activity relationships of TLR modulators," said Sudhir Agrawal, D. Phil., Chief Executive Officer and Chief Scientific Officer. "Through our program we have identified a novel class of compounds that act as antagonists for specific TLRs. We currently are evaluating these antagonists in preclinical autoimmune disease models." "Based on the productivity of our drug discovery platform, we are developing a broad portfolio of potential TLR modulators, including DNA-based agonists of TLR9, RNA-based agonists of TLR7 and TLR8, and DNA-based antagonists of TLR 7, 8 and 9," commented Robert W. Karr, M.D., President. "By inhibiting activation of immune responses through TLR 7, 8, and 9, our novel antagonists may have potential applications in the treatment of certain autoimmune diseases." About Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Idera Pharmaceuticals is a drug discovery and development company that is developing drug candidates to treat cancer and infectious, respiratory, autoimmune diseases, and for use as vaccine adjuvants. Idera's proprietary drug candidates are designed to modulate TLRs, the body's first line of immune defense. Idera's pioneering DNA chemistry expertise enables it to identify drug candidates for internal development and creates opportunities for multiple collaborative alliances. Idera's most advanced clinical candidate, IMO-2055, is an agonist of TLR9 and is currently in a Phase 2 monotherapy trial and a Phase 1/2 chemotherapy combination trial in oncology. Idera has selected a second TLR9 agonist, IMO-2125, as a lead candidate for treating infectious diseases. Idera also is collaborating with Novartis for the discovery, optimization, development, and commercialization of additional TLR9 agonists for asthma and allergy. For more information, visit www.iderapharma.com. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. For this purpose, any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Without limiting the foregoing, the words "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "estimates," "intends," "should," "could," "will," "may," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause Idera's actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including whether products based on Idera's technology will advance into or through the clinical trial process on a timely basis or at all and receive approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration or equivalent foreign regulatory agencies; whether the Company will complete enrollment of clinical trials in the time expected; whether, if the Company's products receive approval, they will be successfully distributed and marketed; whether the results of preclinical studies such as the studies referred to in this release will be indicative of results that may be obtained in clinical trials; whether Idera's cash resources will be sufficient to fund product development and clinical trials; and such other important factors as are set forth under the caption "Risk Factors" in Idera's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 14, 2006, which important factors are incorporated herein by reference. Idera disclaims any intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements.