(NC-TRIMERIS-2)(TRMS) T-20, First HIV Fusion Inhibitor, Receives Fast Track Designation From FDA

(NC-TRIMERIS-2)(TRMS) T-20, First HIV Fusion Inhibitor, Receives Fast Track Designation From FDA

Business Wire - Thursday, February 4, 1999

DURHAM, N.C.--(BW HealthWire)--Feb. 4, 1999--Trimeris, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRMS) announced today that T-20, the first of a new class of anti-HIV drugs that block the entry of the virus into cells, has received fast track designation from the United States Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of HIV infected individuals. Fast track designation is granted to products that may provide a significant improvement in the safety or effectiveness of the treatment for a serious or life-threatening disease, and this designation is intended to expedite the review of these drugs.

"We are very pleased that T-20 has received fast track designation, particularly at this early stage of development," stated Dr. M. Ross Johnson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Trimeris. "We look forward to working closely with the FDA to advance T-20 rapidly through the clinic and to provide clinicians with a new weapon to combat HIV disease."

Fusion inhibitors were discussed as a promising new class of drugs to treat HIV infection this week at the 6th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections in Chicago. Scientists from the FDA and Trimeris presented early research on Trimeris' next generation fusion inhibitor that has potent activity against HIV in preclinical studies. Also, preliminary results from TRI-003, a 78 patient Phase II clinical trial of T-20 will be presented today by Dr. Joseph Eron from UNC at Chapel Hill in the late-breaking science session. The complete data from TRI-003 and other Phase II trials are expected to provide a basis for initiating pivotal clinical trials during late 1999.

Trimeris is a development stage biopharmaceutical company engaged in the discovery and development of novel therapeutic agents that block viral infection by inhibiting viral fusion with host cells. The company's lead product candidate, T-20, which inhibits fusion of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) with host cells, is currently in Phase II clinical trials.

Note: Except for any historical information presented herein, matters presented in this release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The results of the company's previous clinical trials are not necessarily indicative of future clinical trials, and future results could differ materially from the results presented herein. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in the "Risk Factors" section included in the company's 1997 Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 1998, and the company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 as declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 6, 1997, and those discussed from time to time in Trimeris' filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

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CONTACT: Trimeris Inc., Durham Matthew A. Megaro Chief Financial Officer 919/419-6050 or Burns McClellan, Inc., New York Jonathan M. Nugent (investors) Justin Jackson (media) 212/213-0006
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