ContraVir to Highlight New Data at EASL The Intern

MEDIA ADVISORY, April 11, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

WHAT: Tenofovir Exalidex (TXL™) is ContraVir’s lead drug for Hepatitis B in phase 2 clinical studies. TXL™ is a novel lipid acyclic nucleoside phosphonate that delivers high intracellular concentrations of the active antiviral agent of tenofovir, marketed by Gilead as Viread®. TXL™’s novel structure results in decreased circulating levels of tenofovir, lowering systemic exposure and thereby reducing the potential for renal side effects. TXL™ has completed a Phase 1 clinical trial in healthy volunteers, demonstrating a favorable safety, tolerability, and drug distribution profile.

Oral Presentation: Pharmacokinetics, Safety and Antiviral Activity of TXL™, a Novel Prodrug of Tenofovir, Administered as Ascending Multiple Doses to Healthy Volunteers and HBV-Infected Subjects

• Selected to be included in the best of viral hepatitis at ILC2017 debrief recording, where Professor Fabien Zoulim and Professor Heiner Wedemeyer will provide overviews on the latest in viral hepatitis research and patient management
• Date/Time: Thursday, April 20, 2017; 16:15-16:30 Central European Time (10:15-10:30am ET)
• Session: Parallel session, Hepatitis B and D: Emerging Treatment Options
• Location: RAI Amsterdam, Europaplein 22, Amsterdam, The Netherlands Entrance K
• Abstract #: 1639
• Scheduled Presenter: Tawesak Tanwandee, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine and Head of the Division of Gastroenterology in the Department of Medicine at Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University in Bangkok, Thailand

WHAT: CRV431 is an anti-HBV drug candidate whose principal action is inhibition of cellular cyclophilins. Cyclophilins are peptidyl-prolyl isomerases that broadly regulate protein structure and function, and they are recruited into the life cycles of several viruses, including Hepatitis B Virus.

Poster Presentation : The Cyclophilin Inhibitor CRV431 Prevents Both Cyclophilin A-HBx Complex Formulation and HBV Replication

• Selected by the Scientific Programme Committee and Massimo Levrer as part of the official poster tour, "HBV/ HDV Experimental"
• Date/Time: Saturday, April 22, 2017; 8:00-18:00 Central European Time (2:00am-12:00pm ET)
• Session: Viral Vepatitis: Hepatitis B and D - Experimental and Pathophysiology
• Location: RAI Amsterdam
• Abstract #: 1905; Poster #: SAT-181
• Scheduled Presenter: Robert Foster, Chief Scientific Officer of ContraVir

Poster Presentation: CRV431 and CMX157: Anti-HBV Combination Effects in vitro between a Cyclophilin Inhibitor and a Nucelocide Prodrug

• Date/Time: Saturday, April 22, 2017; 8:00-18:00 Central European Time (2:00am-12:00pm ET)
• Session: Viral hepatitis: Hepatitis B and D - Experimental and pathophysiology
• Location: RAI Amsterdam
• Abstract #: 2897; Poster #: SAT-180
• Scheduled Presenter: Robert Foster, Chief Scientific Officer of ContraVir

WHO:  Scheduled presenters can be available for interviews in advance via teleconference or onsite at the ILC Press Office

CONTACT: Kara Golub, +1 516-458-3550 or kgolub@jfkhealth.com , for more information.

About ContraVir Pharmaceuticals ContraVir is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of targeted antiviral therapies with a specific focus on developing a potentially curative therapy for hepatitis B virus (HBV). The Company is developing two novel anti-HBV compounds with complementary mechanisms of action. One compound, TXL™ (formerly CMX157), is a highly potent analog of the successful antiviral drug Viread ^® (tenofovir), and is currently in Phase 2a of development. TXL™ has demonstrated the potential for low, once-daily dosing and decreased systemic exposure compared to tenofovir, thereby potentially reducing renal and bone side effects. CRV431, the other anti-HBV compound, is a next-generation cyclophilin inhibitor with a unique structure that increases its potency and selective index against HBV. ContraVir is also developing Valnivudine, an orally available nucleoside analogue prodrug; Valnivudine is currently in Phase 3 for the treatment of herpes zoster. In addition to direct antiviral activity, Phase 2 data suggest that Valnivudine has the potential to reduce the incidence of debilitating shingles-associated pain known as post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). For more information visit www.contravir.com .

Forward Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "anticipate," "believe," "forecast," "estimated" and "intend," among others. These forward-looking statements are based on ContraVir's current expectations and actual results could differ materially. There are a number of factors that could cause actual events to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, substantial competition; our ability to continue as a going concern; our need for additional financing; uncertainties of patent protection and litigation; uncertainties with respect to lengthy and expensive clinical trials, that results of earlier studies and trials may not be predictive of future trial results; uncertainties of government or third party payer reimbursement; limited sales and marketing efforts and dependence upon third parties; and risks related to failure to obtain FDA clearances or approvals and noncompliance with FDA regulations. As with any drug candidates under development, there are significant risks in the development, regulatory approval, and commercialization of new products. There are no guarantees that future clinical trials discussed in this press release will be completed or successful, or that any product will receive regulatory approval for any indication or prove to be commercially successful. ContraVir does not undertake an obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement. Investors should read the risk factors set forth in ContraVir's Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2016 and other periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.