XOMA RETAKES CONTROL OF BPI FROM ZEPHYR SCIENCES

XOMA has terminated its exclusive worldwide license agreement with Zephyr Sciences for the research, development and commercialization of products related to bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein (BPI), including its Neuprex product.

"Although Zephyr has devoted both time and effort toward the advancement of BPI, they have not met the financing requirements of our agreement and this led to our decision to terminate the relationship," said John Castello, XOMA's chairman, president and chief executive officer.

BPI (bactericidal/permeability-increasing protein) a human protein found in certain white blood cells (neutrophils), is one of the body's natural defenses against bacterial infections. Neuprex, the first of several drugs XOMA developed from BPI, is an injectable formulation of a modified recombinant fragment (rBPI(21)) of the molecule.

"BPI's excellent safety profile continues to be an attractive feature in clinical use as evidenced by its ongoing evaluation in both pediatric and adult indications," Castello. "XOMA remains committed to the future development of BPI and is actively seeking new partnerships with private and public companies and in the public sector."