Release Details

February 17, 2009

San Diego, CA – February 17, 2009 – Tracon Pharmaceuticals, a biotechnology company that develops targeted therapies for oncology and related diseases, announced today that its three clinical stage cancer therapeutics (TRC105, TRC102, and TRC093) will be presented at the 100th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research this April 18-22 in Denver, Colorado. “Each program targets a unique pathway with the potential for broad application to a wide variety of cancer types, and we are pleased that all three will be presented at this year’s meeting” explained Bryan Leigh, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Tracon Pharmaceuticals.

TRC105 is a chimeric IgG1 monoclonal antibody that binds CD105, a membrane receptor required for angiogenesis. By inhibiting new blood vessel formation, the antibody is expected to have activity against a wide variety of solid tumors that rely on angiogenesis to grow and metastasize. Clinical data from a phase 1 first-in-human study of TRC105 therapy for advanced cancer was recently presented at the 11th International Symposium on Anti-Angiogenic Agents in San Diego, CA by Michael S. Gordon, MD (Premiere Oncology, Scottsdale, AZ). TRC105 may also be a useful therapy for age-related macular degeneration, the most common cause of blindness in people over the age of 50.

TRC102 is a small molecule inhibitor of base excision repair that improves the therapeutic index of commonly used antimetabolite and alkylating agent chemotherapies. The molecule is currently being studied as an oral agent in combination with pemetrexed (Alimta®) and as an i.v. agent in combination with temozolomide (Temodar®).

TRC093 is a humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody that inhibits angiogenesis, tumor growth, and metastasis by binding cleaved collagen in the extracellular matrix of cancers. This antibody is expected to address multiple solid tumor types and may also be developed for age-related macular degeneration. The phase 1 first-in-human study of TRC093 monotherapy is nearly complete, and a phase 2 dose range has been identified for future studies.

The presentation details are as follows:

TRC105

Abstract Title: Preclinical pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data for TRC105 (anti-endoglin antibody) are consistent with clinical activity observed at low doses in patients with advanced cancer
Presenter: Charles Theuer, MD, PhD, Tracon Pharmaceuticals
Date and Time: Sunday, April 19, 2009, 1:00 PM
Abstract Number: 1237

TRC102

Abstract Title: Unexpected prolonged half life of the base-excision repair inhibitor methoxyamine given with temozolomide in the first-in-human phase 1 clinical trial
Presenter: Panayiotis Savvides, MD, PhD, MPH, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center
Date and Time: Wednesday, April 22, 2009, 8:00 AM
Abstract Number: 5433

TRC093

Abstract Title: Targeting the HU177 cryptic collagen epitope with humanized antibody TRC093 functions cooperatively with anti-VEGF therapy to inhibit tumor growth
Presenter: Jennifer M. Roth, PhD, Maine Medical Center Research Institute
Date and Time: Sunday, April 19, 2009, 8:00 AM
Abstract Number: 317

About TRACON

TRACON Pharmaceuticals is a privately held biotechnology company focused on the development of products for oncology and ophthalmology treatment, including agents that inhibit angiogenesis. TRACON addresses unmet needs in these areas with first-in-class product candidates that will complement existing therapies. TRC093 is a monoclonal antibody that binds to cleaved collagen to inhibit angiogenesis and tumor growth that began dosing in a Phase 1 clinical trial in cancer patients in July, 2007. TRC105 is a monoclonal antibody that binds CD105 (endoglin) to inhibit angiogenesis that began dosing in a Phase 1 clinical trial in cancer patients in January, 2008. TRC102, a small molecule that reverses resistance to chemotherapeutics, began dosing in 2008 in a Phase 1 trial in combination with Temodar® and a Phase 1 trial in combination with Alimta®. Further information about TRACON Pharmaceuticals can be found at www.traconpharma.com.

TRACON Pharmaceuticals Contact:

Delia Alvarez, (858) 550-0780 ext. 232, info@traconpharma.com