AIKO Biotechnology, Inc. initiates first-in-man study of lead compound

PORTLAND, ME, JANUARY 12, 2009. AIKO Biotechnology, Inc. is beginning its first Phase I clinical trial of AIKO-150. This trial is designed to demonstrate the mechanism of action of AIKO's lead compound, showing for the first time in humans, that neutral antagonists do not precipitate severe withdrawal reactions in opioid-dependent subjects at dosage levels that reverse the gastro-intestinal side effects associated with opioid use. According to AIKO President, Bill Emhiser, "Under AIKO's Exploratory IND AIKO will conduct a Phase I trial to not only establish the safety of its lead compound, but also to confirm that the compound reverses opioid-induced constipation at dosages that do not precipitate withdrawal in a highly sensitive population. Successful results from this trial will validate the broad utility of AIKO's neutral antagonists and pave the way for formulation of AIKO- 150 into an abuse-resistant opioid that prevents the GI side effects from opioid use."

Dr. John Mendelson, California Pacific Medical Center, brings human addiction and opioid research expertise to the AIKO team. He is the Principal Investigator for the trial that will be conducted through the California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco. Dr. Mendelson has a long interest in the therapeutic utility of opioid antagonists. "The problem of opioid misuse and abuse in this country cannot be overstated, and this problem is spreading most among young people in their teenage years. It won't be curbed until potentially addictive pain relievers are obsolete. As a father of young children, I am especially thrilled to be part of study to determine whether this new paradigm of neutral antagonism works in humans, and can lead to development of an effective pain therapeutic without the potential for abuse."

AIKO expects to complete subject enrollment and begin dosing in the first quarter of 2009. The trial will be completed early in the second quarter. Support for this trial was provided, in part, by a Development Award from the Maine Technology Institute.

About AIKO
AIKO Biotechnology, Inc. ("AIKO") is a start-up biotechnology company located in Portland, ME focused on the discovery and validation of novel compounds for the treatment of pain and the side effects associated with prescription pain reliever (opioid) use, such as GI dysfunction, addiction and abuse.

Contact
Janet Yancey-Wrona
jyancey@aikobiotech.com
207.317.0960