FierceBiotech Names Archemix Corp. as One of the “Fierce 15″ Biotech Companies of 2007

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Archemix Corp. today announced it has been named to the annual FierceBiotech “Fierce 15”list, designating it as one of the top biotech companies of 2007. The editors of FierceBiotech evaluated hundreds of privately-held firms based on company vision, revenue potential, quality of deals, strength of technology, partnerships, and competitive market position. Archemix Corp. was determined to be one of the “fiercest,” proven by their creativity and innovations in the industry.

“Archemix is convinced that aptamers are the equal of antibodies, and they’re beginning to turn a lot of people in biotechnology into believers. If they’re proved right, their string of partnership deals will just be the beginning”

An internationally recognized daily newsletter reaching more than 56,000 biotech and pharma industry professionals, FierceBiotech provides subscribers with a quick authoritative briefing on the day’s top stories, with a special focus on drug discovery and clinical trials.

“Archemix is convinced that aptamers are the equal of antibodies, and they’re beginning to turn a lot of people in biotechnology into believers. If they’re proved right, their string of partnership deals will just be the beginning,” said John Carroll, Editor of FierceBiotech.

Archemix is discovering and developing aptamers as a class of directed therapeutics for the prevention and treatment of human disease and has built a broad product pipeline of investigational compounds at various stages of preclinical and clinical development. Aptamers, which are nucleic acid macromolecules, have been described as “chemical antibodies,” uniquely possessing benefits of both small and large molecule drugs. Aptamers leverage known biological processes, are chemically synthesized and have high specificity and affinity as well as low immunogenicity. Archemix’s broad product pipeline includes six investigational compounds at various stages of preclinical and clinical development being developed both by the company as well as its licensees. Archemix’s leadership position in intellectual property, technology and expertise relating to aptamers has enabled it to form numerous collaborations with biotechnology and pharmaceutical collaborators, including four significant partnerships in the last ten months with Merck Serono, Pfizer Inc., Elan Pharma, and Nuvelo, Inc.

“Archemix is thrilled to be recognized as one of the top emerging biotech companies as a member of the Fierce 15, which has highlighted some of biotechnology’s most promising companies in recent years,” said Errol De Souza, Ph. D., President and Chief Executive Officer, Archemix. “This honor is a recognition of the accomplishments and progress that we as a company have made, and highlights our potential – and the vast potential of aptamers – to make a significant impact in the management of acute and chronic disease.”

The Fierce 15 celebrates the spirit of being “fierce” – championing innovation and creativity, even in the face of intense competition. The complete list of ‘Fierce 15’ companies is available in today’s issue of FierceBiotech and on the FierceBiotech Web site at www.fiercebiotech.com.

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