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| GLAXOSMITHKLINE EXERCISES OPTION TO LYMPHOSTAT-B | |
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- Option exercised under a 1996 agreement with Human Genome Sciences - ROCKVILLE, Maryland – July 7, 2005 – Human Genome Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: HGSI) announced today that GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE: GSK) has exercised its option to develop and commercialize LymphoStat-B™ (belimumab) jointly with Human Genome Sciences. LymphoStat-B, a human monoclonal antibody that specifically recognizes and inhibits the biological activity of B-lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS™), is in clinical development as a potential treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In April 2005, Human Genome Sciences reported that LymphoStat-B met the primary efficacy and safety endpoints in a Phase 2 clinical trial in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. 1 The Phase 2 results demonstrated that LymphoStat-B is safe and well tolerated, biologically active, and reduces the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis at a level of statistical significance. It is anticipated that the full presentation of data from the Phase 2 trial will take place at an appropriate scientific meeting later in 2005. The results of a separate Phase 2 clinical trial in patients with SLE are expected in Fall 2005. 2 As part of its June 1996 agreement with GSK 3, Human Genome Sciences granted a 50/50 co-development and co-promotion option to GSK for certain Human Genome Sciences human therapeutic products that successfully complete Phase 2a clinical trials. Under the terms of the agreement, GSK and Human Genome Sciences will share equally in Phase 3/4 development costs, and will share equally in sales and marketing expenses and profits of any product that is commercialized under the agreement, under a co-development and co-promotion agreement, the remaining terms of which are being negotiated by the parties. H. Thomas Watkins, Chief Executive Officer, said, “We are very pleased that GSK has exercised its option to develop and commercialize LymphoStat-B jointly with Human Genome Sciences. Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus cause suffering to millions of people. It is our hope that LymphoStat-B will one day become an important treatment option for those who suffer from these diseases. GSK is a world leader in the pharmaceutical industry and our most important strategic partner. We are confident that GSK’s decision to exercise its option to LymphoStat-B will lead to a productive collaboration between the parties that will greatly facilitate its development and eventual commercialization.” LymphoStat-B is a Human Genome Sciences drug, created through a collaboration with Cambridge Antibody Technology. For more information about LymphoStat-B, see www.hgsi.com/products/LSB.html. Health professionals interested in more information about trials involving HGSI products are encouraged to inquire via the Contact Us section of the Human Genome Sciences web site, www.hgsi.com/products/request.html, or by calling (240) 314-4400, extension 3550. Human Genome Sciences is a company with the mission to discover, develop, manufacture and market innovative drugs that serve patients with unmet medical needs, with a primary focus on protein and antibody drugs. BLyS, HGS, Human Genome Sciences and LymphoStat-B are trademarks of Human Genome Sciences, Inc. This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The forward-looking statements are based on Human Genome Sciences’ current intent, belief and expectations. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Actual results may differ materially from these forward-looking statements because of the Company’s unproven business model, its dependence on new technologies, the uncertainty and timing of clinical trials, the Company’s ability to develop and commercialize products, its dependence on collaborators for services and revenue, its substantial indebtedness and lease obligations, its changing requirements and costs associated with planned facilities, intense competition, the uncertainty of patent and intellectual property protection, the Company’s dependence on key management and key suppliers, the uncertainty of regulation of products, the impact of future alliances or transactions and other risks described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of today’s date. Human Genome Sciences 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. ### Footnotes:
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