RDEA Ardea Biosciences, Inc. (MM)

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Ardea Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:RDEA) announced today that the Company will present preclinical data on RDEA594, its lead product candidate for the treatment of gout, as well as preclinical data on RDEA119,its lead mitogen-activated ERK kinase (MEK) inhibitor for the treatment of inflammation associated with gouty arthritis, at the 2008 American College of American College of Rheumatology (ACR) / Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals (ARHP) Annual Scientific Meeting in San Francisco, California. Presentation Details are as Follows: Date/Time: Sunday, October 26, 2008, 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. PDT Abstract Title: RDEA594, A Potential Uric Acid Lowering Agent through Inhibition of Uric Acid Reuptake, Shows Better Pharmakokinetics than its Prodrug RDEA806 Abstract Number: 28 Session Name: Crystal Associated Arthropathies Location: Hall A, Poster Board 28 Date/Time: Tuesday, October 28, 2008, 2:45 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. PDT Abstract Title: MEK Inhibitor RDEA119 Suppresses Inflammatory Cytokine Production Induced by Monosodium Urate Crystals Abstract Number: 1942 Session Name: Crystal Associated Arthropathies Location: Room 104 About Ardea Biosciences, Inc. Ardea Biosciences, Inc., of San Diego, California, is a biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of small-molecule therapeutics for the treatment of HIV, gout, cancer and inflammatory diseases. We have five product candidates in clinical trials and others in preclinical development and discovery. Our most advanced product candidate is RDEA806, a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI), which has successfully completed a Phase 2a study for the treatment of patients with HIV. We have evaluated our second-generation NNRTI for the treatment of HIV, RDEA427, in a human micro-dose pharmacokinetic study and have selected it for clinical development. RDEA594, our lead product candidate for the treatment of gout, is being evaluated in a Phase 1 clinical trial and is believed to be an inhibitor of the URAT1 transporter in the kidney, which is responsible for regulation of uric acid levels. We are evaluating our lead MEK inhibitor, RDEA119, in a Phase 1 study in advanced cancer patients, and have completed a Phase 1 study in normal healthy volunteers as a precursor to trials in patients with inflammatory diseases. Lastly, we have evaluated our second-generation MEK inhibitor for the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases, RDEA436, in a human micro-dose pharmacokinetic study and have selected it for clinical development. Statements contained in this press release regarding matters that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Because such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our goals, including the expected properties and benefits of RDEA806, RDEA427, RDEA594, RDEA119, RDEA436 and our other compounds and the results of preclinical, clinical and other studies. Risks that contribute to the uncertain nature of the forward- looking statements include: risks related to the outcome of preclinical and clinical studies, risks related to regulatory approvals, delays in commencement of preclinical and clinical studies, and costs associated with our drug discovery and development programs and business development activities. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully in our most recently filed SEC documents, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, under the headings "Risk Factors." All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made. We undertake no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made. DATASOURCE: Ardea Biosciences, Inc. CONTACT: Investors, John Beck of Ardea Biosciences, +1-858-652-6523, ; or Media, Edie DeVine of WeissComm Partners, +1-415-946-1081, , for Ardea Biosciences, Inc.

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