GlycoMimetics, Inc. Highlights Advances in Lead Drug Candidate for Sickle Cell Patients at International Glycobiology Conference
Data suggests novel approaches for the treatment of vaso-occlusive crisis

Gaithersburg, Maryland - July 19, 2007 - GlycoMimetics, Inc. (GMI), a privately held firm that is developing a new class of glycobiology-based therapies for a broad range of indications, today presented the results of in vivo animal models that demonstrate the activity of its lead drug candidate at an international glycobiology conference.

The study results show that intravenous administration of GMI's lead compound in a mouse model of sickle cell vaso-occlusive crisis restored blood flow to normal rates and virtually eliminated adhesion of sickle red blood cells to leukocytes. Sickle cell crisis is characterized by slow blood flow and enhanced cell adhesion leading to extreme pain and reduced life expectancy.

GlycoMimetics, Inc. Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer John Magnani, Ph. D. presented details of the studies at The International Symposium of Glycoconjugates in Cairns, Australia. An abstract of the presentation is available at the company's web site, http://www.glycomimetics.com.

"The data is very encouraging," says Magnani. "We've clearly demonstrated that glycomimetic molecules can be rationally designed to inhibit certain types of cell-to-cell interactions. The practical result is a chance to test new therapies for patients suffering from this terrible disease."

The lead compound, GMI-1070, is a potent inhibitor of E-, P- and L-selectins in vivo. The expression of these selectins - particularly E and P - appears to play a major role in the disease. By inhibiting selectin interactions, GMI-1070 appears to prevent the enhanced cell adhesion that leads to painful episodes of vaso-occlusive crisis.

"Our next steps are to prepare an IND filing and advance this compound into clinical development," says Magnani. The company has already conducted a pre-IND meeting with the FDA.

About GMI

GMI capitalizes on advances in the field of glycobiology by developing small molecule drugs that mimic the functions of certain carbohydrates. The company's initial focus is on therapeutics to treat inflammatory and infectious diseases. More information is available at the company's web site: http://www.glycomimetics.com.

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12.09.07: GMI Presents Results of Lead Compound in Animal Models of Vaso-Occlusive Crisis at ASH.

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08.05.04: GMI Secures $5.1-million in Series A Extension

03.26.04: Washington Business Journal: Some relief for biotech's financial headaches*

03.15.04: The Washington Post - GMI's research taps troublesome carbohydrates to combat disease *

01.07.04: Red Herring Magazine - Venture Capitol*

11.03.03: Washington Post - Venture Funding Dips in 3rd Quarter *

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9.20.03: Recap Magazine - Glycobiology: Biotech's New Sweet Spot *

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05.22.03: GMI Closes $4.3M Seed Round

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