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| |  Oncogene Science's Collaborative Partner Ciba Files IND for Oral Mucositis UNIONDALE, N.Y. -- Jan. 17, 1996 -- Oncogene Science, Inc. (Nasdaq: ONCS) announced today that Ciba-Geigy Limited, its collaborative partner in the development of TGF-Beta 3, has filed an Investigational New Drug (IND) application with the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for an allowance to conduct clinical trials for prevention of oral mucositis. It is anticipated that Phase I clinical trials in the United States and Europe will be initiated in early 1996. Oral mucositis is a major side effect of many current cancer therapies. It occurs when chemotherapeutic agents indiscriminately attack rapidly-dividing cells such as those that line the mouth. In severe cases, significant destruction of that tissue results in large lesions which are not only painful for the patient but can become major sites for viral, bacterial and fungal pathogens. In the U.S., of the approximately 500,000 cancer patients who receive chemotherapy each year 20-40% will develop mucositis to varying degrees. No effective treatment for oral mucositis is presently available. TGF-Beta 3 is a biological protein discovered by Oncogene Science. In addition to the oral mucositis program, Oncogene Science and Ciba are partnering in a program to develop TGF-Beta 3 as a treatment for impaired wound healing. Currently, Ciba is conducting Phase I/II clinical trials in Europe for this indication. Phase II clinical trials in the U.S. for impaired wound healing are anticipated to begin in early 1996. "We are very pleased that Ciba has filed the IND for oral mucositis and we look forward to the initiation of U.S. and European Phase I clinical trials in the near future," stated Gary E. Frashier, Chief Executive Officer of Oncogene Science. "During 1996, we anticipate additional progress in the clinical development of TGF-Beta 3 for both oral mucositis and impaired wound healing," he added. Ciba-Geigy Limited, based in Switzerland, is one of the world's leading biological and chemical companies. The Pharma Division is dedicated to discovering, developing, manufacturing and marketing innovative pharmaceuticals to meet unmet medical needs and improve the quality of life. Oncogene Science, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company applying proprietary technologies to the discovery and development of drugs for the treatment of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other major human diseases associated with abnormalities of cell growth and control.
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