Collaboration with CSL

RNS Number:1895N
Arana Therapeutics Limited
04 February 2008


For Immediate Release                                       4 February 2008


                           Arana Therapeutics Limited


               Arana Achieves Milestone in Collaboration with CSL



Arana Therapeutics Limited, (AIM: AAHx ASX: AAH) (the "Company"), the Australian
biopharmaceutical company that uses superior technology to develop next
generation drugs that will improve the lives of patients with inflammatory
diseases and cancer has today announced the successful achievement of a
milestone in its collaboration with partner CSL Limited (ASX: CSL). Achievement
of the target and confirmation of the data by CSL triggers a success-based
payment by CSL. Financial terms are to remain confidential.


Arana announced completion of its work on the project in November last year.
Today's announcement concludes the subsequent evaluation and confirmation of the
results by CSL.


"The success of another project with a major pharmaceutical company demonstrates
Arana's ability to continue to deliver significant improvements in the
properties of our partner's products," Arana CEO Dr John Chiplin commented.


"In addition, it clearly validates Arana's business model of creating revenues
by enabling access to its platform technologies through key strategic alliances
in the therapeutics space."


"By generating these improved products Arana's platform can likely make a
significant contribution to the eventual success of these products in the
clinic," Dr Chiplin added.


The project involved Arana utilising its SuperhumanisationTM technology to
develop "humanised" versions of lead antibodies from CSL's pharmaceutical
pipeline. These humanised products were then further improved using Arana's
EvoGeneTM optimisation technology.


Should CSL choose to further develop the product, Arana will be eligible to
receive additional milestone payments as the product progresses through
development by CSL. Arana is also set to earn royalties on product sales should
it be approved and launched on the market.


Arana is employing its protein engineering technologies in developing a series
of valuable protein therapeutics internally, with a particular focus on
antibody-based drugs. The company also collaborates with GlaxoSmithKline,
Vegenics Limited and Aveo Pharmaceuticals.


The success of this project with CSL follows on from a similar successful
delivery and confirmation of a project with GlaxoSmithKline in March last year.





About Arana Therapeutics:


Arana Therapeutics (ASX: AAH; AIM: AAHx) is an international biopharmaceutical
company formed through the merger of Peptech and EvoGenix in August 2007. The
company uses superior technology to develop next generation drugs that will
improve the lives of patients with inflammatory diseases and cancer.


Arana Therapeutics' innovative engineering technologies provide the basis for
clinical development in the antibody space, a market which draws on high demand.
With a market capitalisation of around A$250 million and solid cash resources,
Arana Therapeutics has the financial stability and management expertise to
accelerate its clinical programs, and is on track to have at least 3 clinical
stage assets within three years.


Arana is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) and the London Stock
Exchange (AIM).


The lead pipeline consists of four lead drug programs: ART621 to treat severe
rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases; ART010 to treat
osteoporosis and bone cancer; ART104 to treat solid tumours in colorectal
cancer; and ART150 for lung cancer and melanoma. Additionally the company has
earlier stage products in development for the treatment of a range of conditions
including age related macular degeneration, psoriasis, colorectal cancer, and
leukaemia.


The most advanced drug candidate ART621 will commence Phase II clinical trials
in 2008. In development for the treatment of severe rheumatoid arthritis, and
other inflammatory disorders, ART621 has been shown to be well-tolerated in
healthy volunteers at a variety of dose levels when administered intravenously
or under the skin.


Arana has recurring revenues from commercial and development partnerships with
six international companies including GSK, CSL, Centocor (J&J) and Abbott
Laboratories.


www.arana.com


For further information, please contact:

Arana Therapeutics Limited
Dr John Chiplin, Chief Executive Officer       [phone]
Niall Henderson, Chief Financial Officer       [phone]

Buchanan Communication
Lisa Baderoon/Rebecca Skye Dietrich           [phone]

Nomura Code Securities
Charles Walker                                [phone]







                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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