ADVENTRX Pharmaceuticals Announces Notice of Government Grant Received by M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Funding To Support Research For New Formulations Of EradicAide(TM) Technology To Treat HIV/AIDS SAN DIEGO, Feb. 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- ADVENTRX Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: AVRX) announced today new research to develop next generation EradicAide vaccine therapy. The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center has received notice of a grant from the NIH (National Institutes of Health) in excess of $1.3 million, as a continuation of earlier grants from the NIAID (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases), to further develop EradicAide vaccine technology for treatment of HIV/AIDS. The principal investigator is Dr. Jagan Sastry, an Associate Professor in the Department of Immunology with a joint appointment in the Department of Veterinary Sciences at M.D. Anderson. EradicAide vaccine technology is licensed exclusively to ADVENTRX on a worldwide basis. The EradicAide vaccine is composed of a cocktail of synthetic peptides based upon highly conserved regions from HIV virus envelope proteins, gp 120 and gp 41. When EradicAide vaccine was administered in a series of vaccinations to non-human primates in previous studies at M.D. Anderson, the treatment was able to suppress viral load to undetectable levels for as long as three years after viral challenge. The new grant enables the study of in vivo dendritic cell stimulation for uptake and immune system presentation of EradicAide peptides in a non-human primate model. If successful, this approach would demonstrate proof of principle for a next generation vaccine formulation that would eliminate the need for ex vivo manipulation of dendritic cells. "While we intend to undertake initial human clinical trials for EradicAide vaccine later this year with our current formulation, we are extremely pleased that this government funding will enable development of next generation formulations that could enhance the commercial viability of EradicAide vaccine therapy," said Nicholas Jon Virca, President and CEO of ADVENTRX. "This grant further validates the previous research at M.D. Anderson and follows our announcement last month regarding the issuance of a U.S.patent regarding the use of EradicAide peptides in various combinations and formulations to achieve cell-mediated immunity to control progression to AIDS." ADVENTRX ADVENTRX Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a biopharmaceutical research and development companywhose business strategy is to commercialize leading edge medical research through licensing agreements with prominent universities and research institutions. The Company focuses its energy in cancer and antiviral research to launch products that eitherextend the usefulness of current therapies or replace marginal therapies with new approaches to treatment. This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are made based on management's current expectations and beliefs. Actual results may vary from those currently anticipated based upon a number of factors, including uncertainties inherent in the drug development process, the timing and success of clinical trials, the validity of research results, and the receipt of necessary approvals from the United States Food and Drug Administration. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions, which may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. Contact: The Ruth Group Investors: Stephanie Carrington 646-536-7017 Media: Cynthia Isaac, Ph.D. 646-536-7028 DATASOURCE: ADVENTRX Pharmaceuticals Inc. CONTACT: Investors: Stephanie Carrington, +1-646-536-7017, or Media: Cynthia Isaac, Ph.D., +1-646-536-7028, both of The Ruth Group for ADVENTRX Pharmaceuticals Inc.

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