Proteo Inc. (OTCBB: PTEO; WKN: 925981) and its wholly-owned subsidiary Proteo Biotech AG announced today the beginning of patient recruitment for a Phase II clinical trial. In this randomized, placebo-controlled Phase II trial the effect of Elafin on inflammatory parameters will be investigated in patients undergoing esophagectomy for esophagus carcinoma. The trial will be performed under the direction of Prof. Fred Fändrich, Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, University of Kiel: »The removal of the esophagus for esophageal cancer is a very invasive surgical procedure that frequently requires long stays in intensive care units. No drugs are currently available which substantially alleviate the inflammatory reaction of the body to this surgical treatment. I am therefore particularly pleased that we have the opportunity to conduct the first clinical trial worldwide on the therapeutic efficacy of the drug candidate Elafin.«

»As the second largest university hospital in Germany, the University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein offers an ideal infrastructure for performing a trial of this type. We are confident that the results of the trial will provide confirmation of the mode of action (proof of concept) and so promote our multifaceted development program for Elafin,« announced Birge Bargmann, CEO of Proteo.

Prof. Oliver Wiedow, who discovered Elafin and founded Proteo, draws a positive balance: »With the start of this trial we are also setting a new milestone for biotechnology in Kiel. The close cooperation of many committed colleagues at the University Hospital, the state's economic development fund and Proteo Biotech AG, has made it possible to promote in Schleswig-Holstein the development of a pharmaceutical, that was discovered in the Department of Dermatology at the University of Kiel, and to make this drug substance available for the first time to patients within the framework of a clinical trial.«

About Elafin

The drug candidate Elafin is produced naturally in humans and inhibits enzymes responsible for the formation of circulating factors (cytokines) that promote inflammatory reactions. The release of these cytokines is increased after major surgery and is responsible for an inflammatory reaction that can affect all vital organs. In the planned trial it is expected that Elafin will impair the formation of these cytokines and thus have a positive effect on the inflammatory reaction.

The excellent tolerability of Elafin in human subjects was demonstrated in a Phase I clinical single dose escalating study. On recommendation of the European Medicines Agency (EMEA), Proteo Biotech AG received orphan drug status from the EU commission for its candidate drug Elafin for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.

About Proteo

The company researches, develops and markets compounds for biological and medical research as well as for use as pharmaceuticals. PROTEO holds the production and utilization rights for recombinant human Elafin. PROTEO intends to out-license selected indications and to establish international strategic alliances in order to open up new fields of application and for marketing (www.proteo.de).

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this news release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of Rule 175 under the Securities Act of 1933 and Rule 3b-6 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and are subject to the safe harbor created by those rules. All statements, other than statements of fact included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding potential future plans and objectives of the company, are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Technical complications that may arise could prevent the prompt implementation of any strategically significant plan(s) outlined above. The company cautions that these forward looking statements and risks and uncertainties involved are further qualified by other factors including, but not limited to those set forth in the company's Form 10-KSB filing and other filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any statements in this release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Proteo Biotech AG
Dr. Barbara Kahlke
Am Kiel-Kanal
44 D-24106 Kiel
Telefon: +49(0)431 8888462
Fax : +49(0)431 8888463
info@proteo.de
www.proteo.de