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Pro-Pharmaceuticals Novel Carbohydrate Compounds Reverse Liver

18 Oct 2007

Pro-Pharmaceuticals, Inc. today reported that a series of first-in-class, novel carbohydrate compounds significantly reduced collagen expression and reversed fibrosis in animal models

NEWTON, MA, USA | October 17, 2007 | Pro-Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Amex: PRW), a company "Advancing Drugs Through

Glycoscience®", today reported that a series of first-in-class, novel carbohydrate compounds significantly reduced collagen expression and reversed fibrosis in animal models. The data is scheduled to be presented at the Glycobiology 2007 Conference to be held at the Park Plaza Hotel, Boston, Mass., November 11-14. Uncontrolled collagen expression is a pathological process that occurs during the fibrotic process, affecting various organs which leads to scar tissue. Chemical toxicity, microbial infection or physical injury cause hepatic, renal, cardiac and pulmonary fibrosis. Carbohydrate polymers were synthesized and screened to inhibit collagen production in in-vivo and in-vitro fibrosis models. "Previously, in-vitro data indicated reversal of fibrosis markers," said Eliezer Zomer, Ph.D., Executive Vice President, Product Development & Manufacturing, Pro-Pharmaceuticals, Inc. “In this proof-ofconcept animal study, the compounds clearly reduced collagen expression and reversed liver fibrosis." “We are encouraged by the pre-clinical data on the effects our carbohydrate compounds had in the dissolution of scar tissue and reversal of fibrosis,” said Anatole Klyosov, Chief Scientist, Pro- Pharmaceuticals. “Further experiments are planned to further validate our initial findings and to expand the use of these novel carbohydrate compounds in other fibrotic diseases.”

Hepatic Fibrosis
All chronic liver diseases can cause fibrosis, or scarring. Fibrosis is the reason patients with liver disease develop liver failure and may need transplantation. Thus, efforts to stop fibrosis may prevent complications of all chronic liver diseases, thereby avoiding the need for transplantation. There is currently no successful anti-fibrotic treatment for patients with liver disease. More than 4 million people in the U.S. have Hepatitis C virus, and many will develop severe fibrosis and liver failure over the next two decades. Worldwide, 170 million people are infected with chronic Hepatitis C. Liver fibrosis is an outcome of persistent hepatic inflammation.

Pro-Pharmaceuticals, Inc. - Advancing Drugs Through Glycoscience®
Pro-Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is engaged in the discovery, development, and commercialization of therapeutic compounds for advanced treatment of cancer, liver, microbial, cardiovascular, and inflammatory diseases. In 2006, the Company entered into a research collaboration with Mount Sinai School of Medicine to evaluate the anti-fibrotic effects of the Company’s carbohydrate compounds. The Company's initial focus is the development of DAVANAT®, a new generation of anti-cancer treatment using polymers to enhance the safety and efficacy of chemotherapy agents. The Company's technology also is directed at "rescuing" drugs that were shelved for toxicity or "half-life" issues; increasing the solubility of existing drugs, and developing polymers as new chemical entities. Founded in 2000, the Company is headquartered in Newton, Mass. Additional information is available at www.pro-pharmaceuticals.com.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
Any statements in this news release about future expectations, plans and prospects for the Company, including without limitation statements containing the words "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," and similar expressions, constitute forward-looking statements as defined in the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in such statements. We caution investors that actual results or business conditions may differ materially from those projected or suggested in forward-looking statements as a result of various factors including, but not limited to, the following: uncertainties as to the utility and market for our potential products; uncertainties associated with preclinical and clinical trials of our product candidates. More information about those risks and uncertainties is contained in the Company's most recent quarterly or annual report and in the Company's other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. While the Company anticipates that subsequent events may cause the Company's views to change, the Company disclaims any obligation to update such forward-looking statements. Contact: Pro-Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Anthony D. Squeglia: 617.559.0033; squeglia@propharmaceuticals. com. DAVANAT and Advancing Drugs Through Glycoscience are registered trademarks of Pro- Pharmaceuticals. AVASTIN is a registered trademark of Genentech, Inc.

SOURCE: Pro-Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

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