Harbor BioSciences Receives Patent for Triolex(R) and Other Compounds

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 20, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Harbor BioSciences, Inc. HRBR today announced that the company has received patent No. 7,776,845 from the United States Patent and Trademark Office which covers its lead metabolic disease and anti-inflammation drug candidate Triolex (HE3286). The patent claims cover compounds including Triolex and formulations that contain the drug or the other claimed compounds. Current data indicates that Triolex is a first-in-class compound for the treatment of responsive insulin resistant pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes patients, operating by limiting inflammation in responsive patient populations.

Triolex is a synthetic derivative of a naturally occurring steroid in humans, which is currently in clinical development. Triolex has demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory properties in animal models of inflammation, but without the side effects associated with the commonly used glucocorticoid anti-inflammatory steroid products.

About Harbor BioSciences, Inc.     

Harbor BioSciences is a development-stage company with two product candidates in clinical trials: Apoptone® in the cohort expansion portion of a Phase I/IIa trial of patients with late-stage prostate cancer, and Triolex, in a Phase IIa trial in obese type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.   Apoptone and Triolex represent the lead candidates from Harbor BioSciences' small molecule platform based on metabolites or synthetic analogs of endogenous steroid hormones. For more information on Harbor BioSciences please visit www.harborbiosciences.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws concerning, among other things, the potential for Triolex to treat responsive insulin resistant pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes patients by limiting inflammation in responsive patient populations. Any statement included in this press release that are not a description of historical facts are forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors which, if they do not materialize or prove correct, could cause Harbor BioSciences' actual results to differ materially from historical results or those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties inherent in the Company's business, including, but not limited to: the ability to complete preclinical and clinical trials successfully and within specified timelines, if at all; the Company's capital needs; the Company's ability to obtain additional funding; our ability to obtain regulatory approval for Apoptone, Triolex or any other investigational drug candidate; and other risks detailed from time to time 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 the date of this press release. Except as required by law, Harbor BioSciences undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information contained in this press release as a result of new information, future events or circumstances arising after the date of this press release.