PR Newswire; Thursday November 13, 8:22 am Eastern Time

The Canadian HIV Trials Network ("CTN") is a federally funded, non-profit, national organization that was created to facilitate HIV/AIDS clinical trial activity in Canada. Considered a cornerstone of the federal government's National AIDS Strategy, the Network was established in January, 1991 in response to the needs and concerns of Canadian clinical investigators, persons living with HIV/AIDS, the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, community physicians and AIDS specialists. The CTN is funded by the Government of Canada, through Health Canada, and jointly sponsored by The University of British Columbia and St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver.

"We are extremely pleased to be associated with the Canadian HIV Trials Network," said Dr. Guy Ely, Vice President, Clinical and Medical Affairs. "They are a world-class organization known for their commitment to the pursuit of scientific excellence. We are very fortunate to have them as our partner." The CTN maintains a network of approximately 30 clinics and hospitals that are actively involved in clinical research of traditional and experimental therapies. "Having the support of this Network will not only allow us to expand our clinical trial in Kaposi's sarcoma across Canada," continued Dr. Ely, "but it will also give us access to the key opinion leaders in AIDS research today."

Imutec Pharma began a Phase I/II clinical trial of Virulizin(R) in July 1996 for the treatment of advanced Kaposi's sarcoma in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus. Kaposi's sarcoma ("KS") is the most common form of cancer in HIV-infected people. The disease is characterized by widespread lesions of the skin, the mouth and lymph nodes, and it can also involve the bowels and lungs. Approximately 5,000 new cases of AIDS-related KS are diagnosed each year in North America and approximately 42,000 people in North America and Europe currently have the disease. The trial is being conducted by Dr. Chris Tsoukas, Director of the Immune Deficiency Treatment Center, at The Montreal General Hospital. Dr. Tsoukas is a pioneer in AIDS research, having been responsible for the design and implementation of numerous HIV/AIDS clinical trials dating back to 1982.

"The goal of this particular study is to measure and analyze specific immunological parameters, tumor response, survival time and quality of life in patients with advanced Kaposi's sarcoma," said Dr. Tsoukas. "We have been very encouraged by the early results of the study however patient enrollment into the trial has been a challenge. We believe that by having the support of the Canadian HIV Trials Network, we will be able to gain access to a much larger patient population. This, in turn will allow us to increase the rate at which patients are being entered into the study."

Imutec Pharma Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company engaged in the research, development and commercialization of innovative pharmaceutical products for the treatment of cancer and certain viral diseases. Through an active acquisition and in-licensing program, Imutec Pharma's goal is to build and clinically develop a portfolio of novel drugs targeted at life-threatening diseases. Thereafter, Imutec Pharma intends to undertake late stage clinical development and marketing in cooperation with strategic pharmaceutical partners. Founded in 1986, Imutec Pharma Inc. is a public company whose shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and the Montreal Stock Exchange under the symbol IMT and on the NASDAQ exchange under the symbol IMUTF.

Except for historical information, this press release contains forward-looking statements that reflect the Company's current expectation regarding future events. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those statements. Those risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, changing market conditions, the successful and timely completion of clinical studies, the establishment of corporate alliances, the impact of competitive products and pricing, new product development, uncertainties related to the regulatory approval process, and other risks detailed from time-to-time in the Company's ongoing quarterly filings, annual reports and 20-F filings.

Imutec Pharma's press releases are available through the Company's Internet site: http://www.imutec.com

SOURCE: Imutec Pharma Inc.

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