ABLYNX ANNOUNCES A NOVEL PRECLINICAL DEVELOPMENT CANDIDATE TARGETING IL6R

GHENT, BELGIUM, Jun 29 (MARKET WIRE) --

GHENT, Belgium, 29 June 2009 - Ablynx [Euronext Brussels: ABLX], a
pioneer in the discovery and development of Nanobodies(R), a novel class
of antibody-derived therapeutic proteins, today announced that it has
advanced ALX-0061, a new Nanobody(R)-based therapeutic programme, into
preclinical development for the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory
diseases.

ALX-0061 is a selective, low molecular weight biologic, binding to the
IL6 receptor (IL6R). It has a very high potency and demonstrated a
favourable PD, PK and safety profile in preclinical testing compared with
the benchmark molecule. ALX-0061 has no Fc-mediated effector function
which may translate into an improved safety profile. It also avoids
cross-linking IL6R due to its monovalent binding to the target.

The low molecular weight and desirable biophysical properties of this
Nanobody(R) open up opportunities for alternative routes of
administration and superior tissue penetration in the clinical setting.
The Nanobody(R) can be manufactured at a relatively low cost in a
microbial system.

"We are delighted to strengthen our product portfolio by advancing
another novel Nanobody(R), discovered using our proprietary Nanobody(R)
platform, into preclinical development. It is well positioned to
translate into a superior treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and other
autoimmune diseases. There are already three Nanobodies(R) in clinical
development, with our lead programme, ALX-0081, a novel anti-thrombotic,
on track to start Phase II in the next few months", commented Dr. Edwin
Moses, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Ablynx.

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About ALX-0061 (IL6R)

ALX-0061 is a Nanobody(R) binding to the interleukin-6 receptor (IL6R).
It has the potential to differentiate through its high potency, high
stability and low molecule weight of only 26kD which should translate
into superior tissue penetration, attractive PK/PD and superior safety
and efficacy profile compared with a benchmark monoclonal antibody.

The involvement of the IL6 pathway in a variety of diseases indicates
that multiple indications can be pursued with large market potential
including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Crohn's disease, Castleman's
disease, multiple myeloma and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

For
the complete version of the press release, please see link
below.

http://hugin.info/137912/R/1325814/311923.pdf

For more information, please contact:

College Hill Life Sciences - for UK/International media enquiries:
Sue Charles, Justine Lamond, Dr John McIntyre
t: +44 (0)20 7866 7857
e: ablynx@collegehill.com

Ablynx:
Dr. Edwin Moses
Chairman and CEO
t: +32 (0)9 262 00 07
m: +44 (0)7771 954 193 / +32 (0)473 39 50 68
e: edwin.moses@ablynx.com

This announcement was originally distributed by Hugin. The issuer is
solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Copyright
Copyright Hugin AS 2009. All rights reserved.

For more information, please contact:

College Hill Life Sciences - for UK/International media enquiries:
Sue Charles, Justine Lamond, Dr John McIntyre
t: +44 (0)20 7866 7857
e: Email Contact

Ablynx:
Dr. Edwin Moses
Chairman and CEO
t: +32 (0)9 262 00 07
m: +44 (0)7771 954 193 / +32 (0)473 39 50 68
e: Email Contact

Copyright 2009, Market Wire, All rights reserved.

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