KRX-0401 (Perifosine) update at ASH

Keryx Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: KERX) today announced that Dr. Hideshima, of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, will report the results of preclinical experiments that demonstrate the effectiveness of KRX-0401 (perifosine) against multiple myeloma (MM) cells at the upcoming ASH Annual Meeting.

KRX-0401, is a novel, oral, anticancer agent that modulates Akt and several other important signal transduction pathways, including MAP kinase and JNK. KRX-0401 is in-licensed by Keryx from Aeterna Zentaris, Inc. (TSX: AEZ - Nasdaq: AEZS).

KRX-0401, or perifosine, is the prototype of a new group of anti-cancer drugs referred to as alkylphosphocholines that block proliferation and induce the apoptosis of cancer cells. This effect is relatively specific for cancer cells compared to normal cells. The mechanism of action for these drugs is not clear. They are known to modulate signaling in a number of pathways known to function abnormally during the development of cancer. One of the pathways inhibited by the alkylphosphocholines is Akt, a pathway associated with tumor survival and growth. Akt is considered to be one of the most important cancer targets being researched today.