Rexahn Signs Agreement with National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

CNS Compound to be Screened for Protection Against Epilepsy and Bioterrorist Threats

ROCKVILLE, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Rexahn Pharmaceuticals (OTCBB:RXHN) announced a signed agreement between the Company and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), a division of the National Institutes of Health. According to the agreement, Rexahn's lead CNS compound, RX-10100, will be submitted for pharmacological evaluation to NINDS' Anticonvulsant Screening Program (ASP), a public/private partnership with academic and industry effort focused on discovery, optimization and development of drugs for epilepsy and other serious conditions.

Based on Rexahn's preclinical studies, RX-10100 is believed to have certain neuroprotective properties, which may make it a potential treatment for neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's and ALS.

Through the collaboration with NINDS, RX-10100 will undergo pharmacological evaluation and expert analysis to determine potential efficacy in state of the art disease models. In addition, NINDS will screen RX-10100 for effectiveness against threats from chemical agents for civilian use. RX-10100 is one of the first compounds to be selected as a part of NINDS' efforts to screen for novel compounds to combat the effects of exposure to nerve agents.

According to James Stables, Program Director of the Epilepsy Screening Program at the National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke, "Along with our continued commitment to patients suffering seizure disorders, we have entered a new phase of research seeking to combat potential threats to the public from exposure to nerve agents."

Of the agreement, Rexahn's Chairman and CEO, Dr. Chang Ahn said "We are very pleased that NINDS selected RX-10100 for the Advanced Screening Program. This is a significant opportunity for Rexahn and we hope that the results of the NINDS study will support our preclinical findings about the neuroprotective potential of RX-10100. Early studies suggest that RX-10100 may possess unique pharmacological properties, as well as an excellent safety profile."

In addition to being screened for neuroprotective properties at NINDS, Rexahn plans to enter RX-10100 into Phase II clinical trials later this year for anxiety, as well as male sexual dysfunctions, for the compound's serotonin and dopamine enhancing actions.

About Rexahn

Rexahn is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery, development, and commercialization of innovative treatments for cancer, disorders of the central nervous system, and unmet medical needs. For detailed information on the Company and RX-10100, please visit www.rexahn.com

About the National Institutes of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke is the nation's primary funder of research on the brain and nervous system. More information about stroke and other neurological disorders can be found on the NINDS web site, www.ninds.nih.gov.

Safe Harbor

This press release contains statements (including projections and business trends) that are forward-looking statements. Rexahn's actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain risks and uncertainties, including, Rexahn's lack of profitability, its auditor's going concern qualification and the need for additional capital to operate its business to develop its product candidates; the risk that Rexahn's development efforts relating to its product candidates may not be successful; the possibility of being unable to obtain regulatory approval of Rexahn's product candidates; the risk that the results of clinical trials may not be completed on time or support Rexahn's claims; demand for and market acceptance of Rexahn's drug candidates; Rexahn's reliance on third party researchers and manufacturers to develop its product candidates; Rexahn's ability to develop and obtain protection of its intellectual property; and other risk factors set forth from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof, Rexahn assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Source: Rexahn Pharmaceuticals