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PHARMACYCLICS REPORTS DATA ON XCYTRIN

December 7, 2005

Pharmacyclics has reported study data regarding Xcytrin (motexafin gadolinium) injection. Pharmacyclics is developing Xcytrin as an anticancer agent with a novel mechanism of action that is designed to selectively concentrate in tumors and induce apoptosis (programmed cell death).

Xcytrin is a redox-active drug that disrupts redox-dependent pathways in cells and inhibits oxidative stress related proteins. Its multifunctional mode of action provides the opportunity to be used in a broad range of cancers. Xcytrin is paramagnetic and produces an intense MRI signal which can be used to image tumors. It is currently being evaluated in a Phase III trial that completed enrollment earlier this year and is designed to compare the effects of whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) alone to WBRT plus Xcytrin for the treatment of brain metastases in patients suffering from non-small cell lung cancer.