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Exhibit 99.2
CONTACTS:
LORUS THERAPEUTICS INC. CANADIAN MEDIA CONTACT: US MEDIA CONTACT
Corporate Communications Eliza Walsh Jennifer Taylor
Grace Tse Mansfield Communications Inc. Mansfield Communications Inc.
Tel: (416) 798-1200 ext. 380 Tel: (416) 599-0024 Tel: (212) 370-5045
Email: ir@lorusthera.com Email: eliza@mcipr.com Email: jennifer@mcipr.com
LORUS THERAPEUTICS INC. PUBLISHES RESULTS OF SYNTHESIS AND
CHARACTERIZATION OF CLOTRIMAZOLE ANALOGUES AS ANTICANCER AGENTS
TSX: LOR
OTC BB: LORFF
TORONTO, CANADA, DECEMBER 15, 2003 - Scientists at Lorus Therapeutics Inc.
("Lorus") have published the results of experimental studies aimed at
synthesizing and optimizing analogues of clotrimazole (CLT), an anti-fungal drug
that has demonstrated anticancer activity. These studies were part of a larger
project that characterized NC 381, a CLT derivative that was extensively studied
as a lead drug candidate. While the class of compounds described in the article
are significantly different from the ones to which NC 381 belongs, they all form
part of the CLT library of analogues, which provide an opportunity to further
advance these analogues with the goal of developing novel anticancer
therapeutics. The results appear in an article entitled, "Triaryl-Methane
Derivatives as Antiproliferative Agents," published in a peer reviewed December
6th electronic version of the journal Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry
letters. The article will also be published in print in an upcoming issue of the
journal.
"These studies present promising results which we believe demonstrate that in
addition to NC 381, there are a number of other derivatives of CLT in the
library that are potential drug candidates. On September 24, 2003 Lorus
announced an agreement to out-license NC 381 and the library of CLT analogs."
said Dr. Jim Wright, CEO of Lorus.
About Lorus
Lorus is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the research and development of
cancer therapies. Lorus' goal is to capitalize on its research, pre-clinical,
clinical and regulatory expertise by developing new drug candidates that can be
used, either alone, or in combination, to successfully manage cancer. Through
its own discovery efforts and an active acquisition and in-licensing program,
Lorus is building a portfolio of promising anticancer drugs. Late-stage clinical
developments and marketing will be done in cooperation with strategic
pharmaceutical partners. Founded in 1986, Lorus Therapeutics Inc. is a public
company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol LOR, and on the
OTC BB exchange under the symbol LORFF.
Forward Looking Statements
Except for historical information, this press release contains forward-looking
statements, which reflect the Company's current expectation and assumptions, and
are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual
results to differ materially from those anticipated. These forward-looking
statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to,
changing market conditions, the Company's ability to obtain patent protection
and protect its intellectual property rights, commercialization limitations
imposed by intellectual property rights owned or controlled by third parties,
intellectual property liability rights and liability claims asserted against the
Company, the successful and timely completion of clinical studies, the
establishment of corporate alliances, the impact of competitive products and
pricing, new product development, uncertainties related to the regulatory
approval process, product development delays, the Company's ability to attract
and retain business partners and key personnel, future levels of government
funding, the Company's ability to obtain the capital required for research,
operations and marketing and other risks detailed from time-to-time in the
Company's ongoing quarterly filings, annual information form, annual reports and
20-F filings. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any
forward looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future
events or otherwise.
Lorus Therapeutics Inc.'s press releases are available through the Company's
Internet site: http://www.lorusthera.com.
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