First Patient Enrols In Aridol COPD Trial

Pharmaxis
(ASX: PXS; Nasdaq: PXSL) today announced that the first patients have been
enrolled in a Swiss clinical trial evaluating the ability of Aridol to
predict the response to inhaled steroids in patients with Chronic
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).


The independent investigator-led trial will test the hypothesis that
patients with COPD are more likely to have a good clinical response to
inhaled steroids if they have a positive Aridol challenge test. The global
prescribing guidelines recommend the use of steroids only for patients with
moderate to severe COPD.



COPD is a lung disease in which the lungs are damaged, restricting
airflow and making it difficult for sufferers to breathe. COPD is a major
cause of illness and the fourth leading cause of death in the developed
world.



Pharmaxis CEO, Alan Robertson said, "When to add inhaled steroids to
bronchodilator therapy in COPD remains an important clinical dilemma and it
is not ideal to wait until the patient has developed severe disease. To
date, there is no proven method available to guide physicians in this
decision. We believe that an early and objective indicator could lead to
changes in treating one of the world's most prevalent diseases affecting
over 20 million people in the U.S. alone."



The trial follows on from two earlier studies: a pilot study by the
same investigator, and an Australian Phase II trial completed by Pharmaxis
earlier this year. The trial will follow a larger group of patients
diagnosed with COPD and receiving baseline bronchodilator therapy with
Spiriva(TM). The trial is scheduled to complete during the first half of
2008.



After a one month period during which patients inhale Spiriva alone,
the 100 participants will be tested with Aridol then randomised to receive
inhaled steroids or placebo. Lung function, response to Aridol,
exacerbations and changes in quality of life will be measured at the end of
the trial.



To find out more about Pharmaxis, go to pharmaxis.au.



Aridol is a registered trade mark of Pharmaxis



Spiriva is a registered trade mark of Boehringer-Ingelheim



Forward-Looking Statements



The statements contained in this press release that are not purely
historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking
statements in this press release include statements regarding our
expectations, beliefs, hopes, goals, intentions, initiatives or strategies,
including statements regarding the potential for Aridol and/or Bronchitol.
All forward-looking statements included in this press release are based
upon information available to us as of the date hereof, and we assume no
obligation to update any such forward-looking statement as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise. We can not guarantee that any
product candidate will receive FDA or other regulatory approval or that we
will seek any such approval. Factors that could cause or contribute to such
differences include, but are not limited to, factors discussed in the "Risk
Factors and Other Uncertainties" section of our Form 20-F lodged with the
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.


Pharmaxis Ltd

pharmaxis.au


View drug information on Spiriva HandiHaler.