Human Genome Sciences Announces Resubmission of Raxibacumab BLA to FDA

Human Genome Sciences Announces Resubmission of Raxibacumab BLA to FDA

<0> Human Genome Sciences, Inc.Susannah BudingtonDirector, Corporate Public Relations301-545-1062orJerry ParrottVice President, Corporate Communications301-315-2777orClaudine Prowse, Ph.D.Vice President, Investor Relations301-610-5800 </0>

Human Genome Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: HGSI) announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has acknowledged receipt of the resubmission of the Biologics License Application (BLA) for raxibacumab, a treatment for inhalational anthrax, and has established December 15, 2012 as the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) action date.

The FDA has deemed the resubmission a complete, class 2 response to its November 14, 2009 complete response letter, which requested further analyses of existing data as well as additional information.

The BLA resubmission contains additional evaluation of histopathology of survivors and non-survivors in animal studies, evaluation of potential added benefit of using raxibacumab with antibiotics versus antibiotics alone, and additional validation to confirm previous data.

“We look forward to working with the FDA to continue to move raxibacumab through the regulatory review process over the next several months,” stated Sally D. Bolmer, Ph.D., R.A.C., Senior Vice President, Development and Regulatory Affairs, Human Genome Sciences.

The July 9, 2009 edition of published the results of two pivotal randomized placebo-controlled studies conducted in rabbits and monkeys to evaluate the efficacy of raxibacumab, as well as the results of human safety studies, which supported the use of raxibacumab in the event of life-threatening inhalation anthrax disease.

Raxibacumab is a human monoclonal antibody that represents a novel way to address the anthrax threat. While antibiotics can kill the anthrax bacteria, they are not effective against the deadly toxins that the bacteria produce. Raxibacumab targets anthrax toxins after they are released by bacteria into blood and tissues.

Raxibacumab is being developed under a contract entered into in 2006 with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). In 2009, HGS delivered the first 20,000 doses of raxibacumab to the U.S. Strategic National Stockpile, and, in July 2009, the U.S. Government exercised its option to purchase 45,000 additional doses for the Stockpile for emergency use in treating inhalation anthrax, with delivery to be completed over a three-year period.

Human Genome Sciences exists to place new therapies into the hands of those battling serious disease. For more information about HGS, please direct inquiries to the HGS contacts provided, or visit the Company’s web site at . HGS and Human Genome Sciences are trademarks of Human Genome Sciences, Inc. Other trademarks referenced are the property of their respective owners.

This announcement includes statements that are forward-looking within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements include those regarding our expectations for raxibacumab, among others. These forward-looking statements are based on our current intentions, beliefs and expectations regarding future events. We cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement will be accurate. Investors should realize that if underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could differ materially from our expectations. Investors are, therefore, cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this announcement, and, except as required by law, we do not undertake to update any forward-looking statement to reflect new information, events or circumstances.

Some important factors that could cause our actual results to differ from our expectations in these forward-looking statements include: our lack of commercial experience and dependence on the sales growth of BENLYSTA; any failure to commercialize BENLYSTA successfully; the occurrence of adverse safety events with our products; changes in the availability of reimbursement for BENLYSTA; the inherent uncertainty of the timing, success of, and expense associated with research, development, regulatory approval and commercialization of our pipeline products, including darapladib and albiglutide, and new indications for existing products; uncertainty as to the future success of darapladib and GSK’s ability to develop and commercialize darapladib; substantial competition in our industry, including from branded and generic products; the highly regulated nature of our business; uncertainty regarding our intellectual property rights and those of others; the ability to manufacture at appropriate scale, and in compliance with regulatory requirements, to meet market demand for our products; our substantial indebtedness and lease obligations; our dependence on collaborations over which we may not always have full control; foreign exchange rate valuations and fluctuations; the impact of our acquisitions and strategic transactions; changes in the health care industry in the U.S. and other countries, including government laws and regulations relating to sales and promotion, reimbursement and pricing generally; significant litigation adverse to the Company, including product liability and patent infringement claims; our ability to attract and retain key personnel; and increased scrutiny of the health care industry by government agencies and state attorneys general resulting in investigations and prosecutions.

The foregoing list sets forth many, but not all, of the factors that could cause actual results to differ from our expectations in any forward-looking statement. Investors should consider this cautionary statement, as well as the risk factors identified in our periodic reports filed with the SEC, when evaluating our forward-looking statements.