PRNewswire - November 20, 2003

As previously reported, preliminary results from an Israeli clinical trial indicate that AVR118, a novel immunomodulator, may improve the quality of life of the patient, including increasing appetite, weight gain or stability and activities of daily living. AVR118 is also believed to be useful in enhancing the therapeutic effectiveness of the HAART drugs, as well as serving to mitigate the toxicity of HAART drugs.

The United Nations currently estimates that there are 1.5 million HIV carriers in China. New HIV infections in China have been increasing annually by about 30%. Chinese officials and the United Nations have warned that 10 million people could be infected by 2020.

"A recent United Nations Report on China found that the world is 'witnessing the unfolding of an AIDS epidemic of proportions beyond belief'," said Eli Wilner, Chairman of the Board of ADVR. "The report went on to note that China is on the verge of a catastrophe that could result in unimaginable suffering, economic loss and social devastation."

"This patent not only further protects ADVR's intellectual property in a potentially large market, but also serves as an additional opportunity for us to broaden the awareness of what ADVR is attempting to accomplish in this therapeutic category," noted James T. D'Olimpio M.D. "The announcement of this patent can assist us in educating the world's researchers about ways to combat AIDS." Dr. D'Olimpio is a leading expert in oncology research and treatment who has focused on the areas of symptom control, palliative care, and cancer cachexia. Dr. D'Olimpio serves as a consultant to ADVR helping the Company to communicate the clinical results of AVR118 and speaking on issues related cachexia. He also serves on the Company's Scientific Advisory Board.

ADVR recently announced the preliminary results of an Israeli clinical trial from the first fifteen cachectic (body wasting) AIDS patients treated with the novel immunomodulator AVR118. The results midway in this trial, first publicly announced on November 10, 2003, showed improvement in appetite, weight gain or stability, and enhanced quality of life in all patients. None of the 15 patients reported any significant side effects from AVR118 therapy.

"The enhancement of quality of life and the increase in activities of daily living observed in cachectic AIDS patients treated with AVR118 in the Phase I/II clinical trial in Israel carries the promise of returning AIDS patients to productive activity and relieve the economic burden imposed by this disease on the individual and society. If ultimately proven in further clinical trials, the value of AVR118 therapy in populations suffering with AIDS may be especially important in third world countries that are experiencing explosive growth, such as China," stated Shalom Z. Hirschman, M.D., Chief Scientist at ADVR and author of the patent.

ADVR's AVR118 represents a biopolymer chemistry that possesses novel immunomodulator activity. This peptide-nucleic acid, which to date has shown no indication of human toxicity, appears to stimulate the proinflammatory responses required to combat viral infections such as AIDS and human papilloma virus and to dampen aberrant autoimmune-type inflammatory responses, such as occur in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, AVR118 has been termed a "switch-type" immunomodulator. AVR118 is in clinical trials in Israel for the treatment of cachexia (body wasting) in patients with AIDS.

For further information regarding Advanced Viral Research Corp., please visit our website at http://www.adviral.com.

Advanced Viral Research Corp., based in Yonkers, New York, is a biopharmaceutical firm dedicated to improving patients' lives by researching, developing and bringing to market new and effective therapies for viral and other diseases.

Note: This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks associated with clinical development, regulatory approvals, including application to the FDA, product commercialization and other risks described from time to time in the SEC reports filed by the Company. AVR118 (Product R) is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or any comparable agencies of any other countries. There is no assurance that the Company will be able to secure the financing necessary to continue and/or complete the clinical trials of AVR118 or satisfy certain other conditions relating to clinical trials including obtaining adequate insurance on terms acceptable to the Company. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information contained in this announcement whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise.

Contact:

Eli Wilner

914-376-7383

SOURCE Advanced Viral Research Corp.

Web Site: http://www.adviral.com

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