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Oral Medication Lowers HCV Viral Load

September 14, 2006

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Results of a Phase II study indicate that the oral medication Suvus (TM) can significantly lower HCV viral load without any major side effects. Because it was only tested to battle HCV genotype 4a, this medication may not directly benefit those with other HCV genotypes. However, hope lies in the fact that progress is being made against the virus as a whole, with new breakthroughs occurring every day.

Bioenvision's Suvus(TM) Lowers Viral Load in Chronic Hepatitis C; Randomized Study Data Presented at Scientific Conference

Bioenvision, Inc. (NasdaqGM:BIVN) today announced results of a randomized Phase II trial of Suvus(TM) in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection (HCV). The data was presented at the British Association for the Study of the Liver's annual meeting in Dublin.

The study assessed the safety, tolerability and efficacy of Suvus(TM) in patients with chronic HCV genotype 4a infection. Patients were randomized to receive Suvus(TM) orally 60 mg twice daily for either 50 days or 100 days of treatment. In patients receiving 50 days of Suvus(TM) treatment the median viral load fell from a pre-treatment level of 7.3x10(6)/ml to 1.4x10(6)/ml, with a mean percentage decrease of 83%. In patients receiving 100 days of Suvus(TM) treatment the median viral load fell from a pre-treatment level of 6.0x10(6)/ml to 0.53x10(6)/ml, with a mean percentage decrease of 92%. Suvus(TM) was well tolerated, and slight discoloration of the feces was the only reported side-effect.

"We are excited to see critically ill patients with HCV responding so well to Suvus(TM). The results are particularly significant when you consider most of the patients had failed prior therapy and had cirrhosis of the liver," said Professor Habib, the lead investigator of the study.

These results confirm those of a previous investigator sponsored Phase II study in which Suvus(TM) achieved significant reduction in viral load in patients with refractory HCV infection.

"We want to make Suvus(TM) available first in countries where HCV has a high prevalence and where cost-effective treatment options are essential," said Dr. Christopher B. Wood, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Bioenvision.

Bioenvision has filed for marketing authorization in Egypt. An estimated 7-8-million people in Egypt are infected with hepatitis C and most (90%) have genotype 4a. The World Health Organization estimates approximately 3-percent of the world's population (approximately 170-200-million people) are infected with HCV.

SOURCE: Genetic Engineering News

CONTACT: Bioenvision, Inc. Investors: David P. Luci, Esq., 212-750-6700 davidluci@bioenvision.com or Media: Hugh S. Griffith, + 44 (0) 131 248 3555 hughgriffith@bioenvision.com or Mary Ann Ondish, 212-750-6700 maryannondish@bioenvision.com

Posted by Editors at September 14, 2006 5:18 PM