deCODE genetics (Nasdaq: DCGN) today announced that it has begun enrolling patients in its Phase I clinical development program for DG051, the company's follow-on developmental compound for the prevention of heart attack. The ascending-dose, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study will examine the safety and tolerability profile of DG051 as well as pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.

"We are executing on our strategy to target the leukotriene pathway to develop new drugs for the prevention of heart attack. This work is built on our pioneering discoveries in human genetics, which have given us novel insights into the biology of heart attack and enabled us to take the lead in addressing this pathway to develop new therapeutics and diagnostics," said Kari Stefansson, CEO of deCODE.

DG051 is a novel small-molecule inhibitor of leukotriene A4 hydrolase (LTA4H), the protein made by one of the genes in the leukotriene pathway deCODE has linked to risk of heart attack. Like DG031, the company's lead compound for the prevention of heart attack now in a Phase III clinical trial, DG051 is designed to decrease risk of heart attack by decreasing the production of leukotriene B4 (LTB4), an end product of the leukotriene pathway and a potent promoter of inflammation. DG051 was discovered by deCODE's structural biology and chemistry groups, and in preclinical studies it has been shown in human blood ex vivo and in animal models to be a potent inhibitor of LTB4 production.

About decode

deCODE genetics (Nasdaq: DCGN) is a global leader in applying human genetics to develop drugs for common diseases. Our population approach has enabled us to discover and target key biological pathways involved in conditions ranging from heart attack to cancer. We are turning these discoveries into new medicine to better treat and prevent many of the biggest challenges to public health. deCODE is delivering on the promise of the new genetics.(SM) Visit us on the web at decode.

Any statements contained in this presentation that relate to future plans, events or performance are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward- looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among others, those relating to technology and product development, integration of acquired businesses, market acceptance, government regulation and regulatory approval processes, intellectual property rights and litigation, dependence on collaborative relationships, ability to obtain financing, competitive products, industry trends and other risks identified in deCODE's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. deCODE undertakes no obligation to update or alter these forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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