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Corgentech HIF Decoy Data Demonstrate Potent Tumor Inhibition in Preclinical Models

Two Poster Presentations at 96th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research

SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., April 18, 2005 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Corgentech Inc. (Nasdaq: CGTK) today announced that its Hypoxia-Inducible Factor Decoy (HIF Decoy) demonstrated substantial inhibition of tumor growth when tested in vivo in renal, colon and pancreatic tumor xenograft models as a monotherapy and had an additive effect in multiple models when used in combination with anti-cancer compounds, 5-FU or Avastin(TM). Corgentech's HIF Decoy is a high affinity, specific inhibitor of both HIF-1 and HIF-2, transcription factors that play key roles in cancer cell growth, survival and metastasis. The findings were presented at the 96th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) in Anaheim, CA.

"Corgentech's HIF Decoy is the first in a novel class of cancer therapeutics specifically targeting malignant cells and represents an important new approach in cancer therapy," said Leslie M. McEvoy, Ph.D., senior vice president of research at Corgentech. "Our HIF Decoy previously demonstrated impressive tumor inhibition at a dose and regimen that was not optimized and which blocked approximately 50 percent of HIF activity in the tumor. We subsequently demonstrated dramatically enhanced delivery using simple tumor targeting methods, such as conjugation of folate to the drug, and dramatically prolonged drug half-life through incorporation of simple chemical modifications of the decoy. These advancements in our TF Decoy technology provide us with increased confidence in our transcription factor decoy oncology program."

Corgentech researchers, in a presentation entitled "In vivo evaluation of hypoxia-induced factor-1 decoy against a panel of human tumor xenograft models"(Abstract number: 1530), reported that systemic therapy with HIF Decoy inhibited tumor growth equivalent to that of Avastin(TM) in a renal cell carcinoma xenograft model at a non-optimized dose and regimen without a tumor targeting or delivery assist. The investigators found that HIF Decoy caused tumor growth inhibition, reduced vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA levels in tumors and increased apoptosis (programmed cell death). Corgentech previously reported that systemic delivery of HIF Decoy demonstrated significant tumor growth inhibition and a decrease in HIF-regulated gene expression in colon and pancreatic tumor cell xenograft models.

Investigators next focused on technologies to extend the drug half-life and stability and also to target the drug more effectively to the tumor targets and reported that a folate-conjugated HIF Decoy resulted in dramatically enhanced uptake of decoy into tumor cells. This poster, entitled "An oligonucleotide decoy targeting HIF1 alpha binds HIF1 nuclear protein and blocks target gene expression in human tumor cell lines in vitro"(Abstract number: 585), described modifications to HIF Decoy to more efficiently and selectively deliver it to tumor cells, including conjugation of the Decoy with agents, such as folate, which are known to target drugs to tumors.

About HIF and Cancer

HIF is a transcription factor that is often over-expressed in many cancers, including breast, lung, pancreatic, ovarian and renal cancers, and it is highly correlated with treatment failure and mortality. HIF turns on multiple genes involved in angiogenesis including vascular endothelial growth factor, or VEGF (a validated target for anti-tumor therapy). It is involved with regulating genes related to cancer cell growth and survival, resistance to radiation and chemotherapy as well as invasion and metastasis. Blockade of HIF could inhibit not only angiogenesis, but also tumor growth and survival, making it an attractive target for certain cancers.

About Corgentech

Corgentech is a biopharmaceutical company engaged in the discovery, development and commercialization of a new class of therapeutics called transcription factor decoys, or TF Decoys. We are creating a pipeline of novel therapeutics based on our proprietary TF Decoy technology, focused initially on the treatment of inflammatory diseases and cancer. For more information on the company and its technologies, visit www.corgentech.com.

Forward-Looking Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including without limitation all statements related to progress with developing product candidates. Words such as "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "intend," "will," "slated," "goal" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon our current expectations. Our actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of these risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation, risks related to the development of TF Decoys and other risks detailed in relevant filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, and Corgentech undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof.

NOTE: Avastin(TM) is a trademark of Genentech, Inc.

SOURCE Corgentech Inc.

Jennifer Cook Williams, Senior Director, Investor Relations, of Corgentech Inc.,
+1-650-624-9600, or [email protected]

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