Ardea Biosciences Announces Data on MEK Inhibitor BAY 86-9766 (RDEA119) to be Presented at 2011 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting

SAN DIEGO, May 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Ardea Biosciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: RDEA) today announced that data from a completed, multi-center, Phase 1, monotherapy, dose-escalation study of BAY 86-9766 in advanced cancer patients will be presented in an Oral Abstract Session at the 2011 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in Chicago, Illinois on Sunday, June 5, 2011.

Presentation details are as follows:

About BAY 86-9766

BAY 86-9766 (RDEA119) is a potent and highly selective inhibitor of mitogen-activated ERK kinase (MEK) for the treatment of cancer being developed under a global license agreement with Bayer Healthcare (Bayer). Preclinical and clinical data suggest that BAY 86-9766 has favorable properties, including once-daily oral dosing and excellent selectivity. In addition, BAY 86-9766 has been shown to suppress tumor cell growth in vitro and in vivo. Preclinical in vitro and in vivo oncology studies of BAY 86-9766 have demonstrated significant potential synergy across multiple tumor types when used in combination with other anti-cancer agents, including sorafenib (Nexavar®; Bayer, Onyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.).

About Ardea Biosciences, Inc.

Ardea Biosciences, Inc., of San Diego, California, is a biotechnology company focused on the development of small-molecule therapeutics for the treatment of serious diseases. Lesinurad (RDEA594), our lead product candidate for the treatment of hyperuricemia and gout, is a once-daily, oral inhibitor of the URAT1 transporter.  We have completed Phase 2b clinical studies of lesinurad and continue to advance the drug in longer term extensions in preparation for Phase 3 development.  Our next-generation URAT1 inhibitor program is currently in preclinical development. BAY 86-9766 is a potent and specific inhibitor of mitogen-activated ERK kinase (MEK) for the treatment of cancer being developed under a global license agreement with Bayer HealthCare. BAY 86-9766 is currently in a Phase 2 study in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma in combination with sorafenib and a Phase 1/Phase 2 study in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer in combination with gemcitabine.

Statements contained in this press release regarding matters that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Because such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our plans and goals, the expected properties and benefits of lesinurad, BAY 86-9766 (RDEA119) and our other compounds and the timing and results of our preclinical, clinical and other studies.  Risks that contribute to the uncertain nature of the forward-looking statements include risks related to the outcome of preclinical and clinical studies, risks related to regulatory approvals, delays in commencement of preclinical and clinical studies, costs associated with our drug discovery and development programs, and risks related to the outcome of our business development activities, including collaboration or license agreements.  These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully in our most recently filed SEC documents, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, under the headings "Risk Factors."  All forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date on which they were made.  We undertake no obligation to update such statements to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made.

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SOURCE Ardea Biosciences, Inc.