Ascentia Biomedical Corporation Announces Option Agreement With University of Washington for Anti-Cancer Compound

BELLEVUE, Wash., Aug. 15  /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Ascentia Biomedical Corporation (OTC Pink Sheets: ASCE), a leading researcher and developer of efficacious pharmaceuticals, compounds and other products, announces an option agreement with the University of Washington, Seattle, WA for a family of novel, powerful compounds to be developed for the treatment of serious human diseases.  One compound has already shown repeated efficacy in blocking tumors in a relevant, pre-clinical model of breast cancer.  Other compounds have also undergone pre-clinical testing and will be developed:

   *  As a treatment for sepsis, a life-threatening condition caused by
      infection
   *  As a treatment for autoimmune disorders such as arthritis
   *  As an adjuvant for vaccines used in the prevention of multiple
      diseases.



Dr. James Clagett, President and CEO of Ascentia said, "We are pleased and excited to have an option agreement for these important compounds from the University of Washington which show great promise as future drugs for serious and life-threatening diseases which affect millions.  Cleary, these compounds will be a significant addition to Ascentia's drug development program.  We look forward to a fruitful relationship with the University of Washington and at the possibility of future agreements with this prestigious Medical School."

Ascentia's scientific team plans to quickly conduct further testing of the lead compound for cancer treatment in the effort to file it as an Investigational New Drug (IND) with the FDA.  Dr. Keith Knutson (Mayo Clinic), an internationally recognized oncology researcher and consultant and member of Ascentia's Scientific Advisory Board will spearhead these efforts.  Drs. Clagett (CEO) and Reife (CSO) will front the development of the other compounds for the treatment of sepsis and autoimmune diseases and as vaccine adjuvants.

About Ascentia Biomedical Corporation

Our focus is SOLUTIONS through RESEARCH and DISCOVERY.  Ascentia is developing and commercializing new pharmaceutical and biomedical products for application in a number of areas, including treatment for asthma, arthritis, psoriasis and cancer.  Initially, a majority of these products will be secured through direct purchase or through licensing.  As the Company grows and evolves, more products will be developed internally.  Ascentia is focused on therapies for cancer and diseases of inflammation.

For more information visit the Company's website at: http://www.ascentiabiomedical.com/

Certain statements contained herein are "forward looking" statements as such term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Because statements include risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied and include, but are not limited to, those discussed in filings by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 

DATASOURCE: Ascentia Biomedical Corporation



CONTACT:  Dr. James Clagett, President & CEO of Ascentia Biomedical

Corporation, [phone]; or Jim Drewitz, Investor Relations,

[phone], for Ascentia Biomedical Corporation



Web site:  http://www.ascentiabiomedical.com/ 

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