IDP Idera Pharmaceuticals

Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (AMEX: IDP) today announced the granting of patents in Europe (EU 1,278,761) and Australia (AU 2001257366) on immune modulatory oligonucleotides (IMO(TM)) that target Toll-like Receptors (TLRs). The claims of these patents cover both compositions of matter and methods of use for a broad range of IMOs. The composition of matter claims include synthetic immune stimulatory motifs, such as cytosine and 7-deazaguanosine, and structural modifications to the oligonucleotides that affect their immunological activity. Similar patents are pending in the United States. "Idera has a portfolio of TLR9 agonists that are DNA-based compounds containing unique synthetic immune stimulatory motifs and other novel components. Use of our proprietary motifs allows us to modulate immune responses to specifically address various diseases", stated Sudhir Agrawal, D. Phil., Idera's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Scientific Officer. "We believe that the '761 and '366 patents provide protection for key differentiating components of our TLR-targeted compounds." Idera has approximately 150 patents and patent applications world-wide covering agonists of TLR9, TLR8, and TLR7 and antagonists of TLR9. Idera's entire portfolio of DNA and RNA-based compounds has been designed through in-house structure-activity relationship studies. The intent to grant EU 1,278,761 was published on April 6, 2005, and the opposition period for this patent ended without opposition. This patent has been validated in 20 European countries. About Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Idera Pharmaceuticals is a drug discovery and development company with a pipeline of drug candidates to treat cancer, and infectious, respiratory, and autoimmune diseases. Idera's proprietary drug candidates are designed to modulate TLRs, the body's first line of immune defense. Idera's pioneering DNA chemistry expertise enables it to identify drug candidates for internal development and creates opportunities for multiple collaborative alliances. Idera's most advanced clinical candidate, IMO-2055, is an agonist of TLR9 and is currently in a Phase 2 trial in oncology and in a Phase 1/2 chemotherapy combination trial in oncology. Idera has selected a second TLR9 agonist, IMO-2125, as a lead candidate for treating infectious diseases. Idera also is collaborating with Novartis for the discovery, optimization, development, and commercialization of additional TLR9 agonist candidates for asthma and allergy. For more information, visit www.iderapharma.com. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. For this purpose, any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Without limiting the foregoing, the words "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "estimates," "intends," "should," "could," "will," "may," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause Idera's actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including whether products based on Idera's technology will advance into or through the clinical trial process on a timely basis or at all and receive approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration or equivalent foreign regulatory agencies; whether the Company will complete enrollment of clinical trials in the time expected; whether, if the Company's products receive approval, they will be successfully distributed and marketed; whether the results of preclinical studies will be indicative of results that may be obtained in clinical trials; whether the patents and patent applications owned or licensed by Idera will protect the Company's technology and prevent others from infringing it; whether Idera's cash resources will be sufficient to fund product development and clinical trials; and such other important factors as are set forth under the caption "Risk Factors" in Idera's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 12, 2006, which important factors are incorporated herein by reference. Idera disclaims any intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements.