SAN DIEGO - The results of a Phase I/II study of NUVANCE™ (IL-4 receptor) in adult patients with moderate asthma will be featured at the Late-Breaker Abstract Session at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology's (AAAAI) 56th Annual Meeting (March 3-8 in San Diego, California).

WHEN: Saturday, March 4, 2000, 3:00 pm

WHERE: Late Breaker: New Therapies Mini-symposium, Room 8, Upper Level of the San Diego Convention Center.

WHO: Dr. Jonathan Corren, MD, Medical Director, Allergy Research Foundation, and lead investigator will present the results of Phase I/II study of NUVANCE™ in adult patients with moderate asthma. Dr. Corren is affiliated with the University of California, Los Angeles.

A presentation entitled, "Cytokines and Cytokine Therapy for Allergic Diseases: Which One is the Most Critical? Il-4 and IL-4 Receptor Antagonists in Allergic Disease," will also be featured at the AAAAI Annual Meeting.

WHEN: Monday, March 6, 2000, 8:45 am - 10:45 am

WHERE: Asthma Therapy Symposium, Marina Ballroom G, Level 3, South Tower, Marriott.

WHO: Dr. Jan Agosti, Medical Director, Immunex Corp., will present scientific evidence and clinical data demonstrating the potential of IL-4 inhibition to improve lung function and control the symptoms of people with asthma.

Interleukin-4 (IL-4) is a naturally occurring cytokine, or immune system protein, that has been commonly associated with the development of asthma and allergies. It binds to specific IL-4 receptors (IL-4R) on the surface of cells in the body or to naturally occurring soluble receptors that circulate throughout the body. Increased levels of IL-4 appear to be related to increased severity of asthma that results in difficulty in breathing. Immunex scientists used recombinant DNA technology to produce a soluble IL-4 receptor, a molecule the company names NUVANCE. When IL-4 binds with NUVANCE instead of cell-surface IL-4R, the effects of IL-4 may be blocked.