Immuron Announces Initiation of Pre-Clinical Colitis Development Program

Melbourne, Australia, February 22, 2016: Australian microbiome biopharmaceutical company Immuron Limited (ASX: IMC) is excited to announced the initiation of a Colitis pre-clinical development program in collaboration with leading inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) researcher, Professor Gerhard Rogler, MD, PhD. and the university of Zurich, Switzerland.

In 2015, Ben-Ya'acov et al. reported their work on Autoimmune Colitis using IMM-124E in mice. The results, which were reported in the journal BMC Gastroenterology, showed the successful amelioration of disease on all histological parameter, decrease related weight loss and the immunological effect related to IMM-124E treatment (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4628342/). After the successful completion of this initial stage, Immuron, together with Prof. Gerhard Rogler of the University of Zurich, developed a complete pre-clinical program to evaluate the efficacy of IMM-124E within a comprehensive set of animal models for the treatment of Colitis.

Prof. Gerhard Rogler, MD, PhD, is the Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Board of the University of Zurich and Professor of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and Consultant Gastroenterologist at the Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Zürich University Hospital, Switzerland.

Prof. Rogler's research interests focus on translational research to better understand unmet needs in the field of Irritable Bowel Disease, (IBD) Prof. Rogler is principal investigator of the Swiss IBD cohort study, a nationwide cohort project currently supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation. He has authored approximately 200 original peer-reviewed articles.

Dr. Rogler explained:

"We find the proposed mechanism of action of IMM-124E extremely interesting and with its unprecedented level of safety, we are eager to assess this unique compound. If this potential clinical treatment yields the results we are hoping for, this could potentially be a "game changer" for many patients."

The program will consist of 3 stages using well-established Acute and Chronic Colitis models to evaluate both the effect on animal-level as well as the intestinal mucosa. The study is scheduled to take place throughout 2016.

Colitis, which mainly consists of Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease, is a chronic and often debilitating group of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) that affects millions of people worldwide. The worldwide market for IBD is expected to reach $10B by 2021 and is characterised by a high level of unmet need.

It is believed that Colitis is the result of complex interactions between multiple factors that include the environment, genetic predisposition, immune response, and the gut microbiome in the colon or intestines. These interactions can cause abdominal pain, fever, weight loss and chronic, bloody diarrhea. Colitis can have an effect on work, family and social activities. In up to one-third of patients with Colitis, treatment is not completely successful or further complications arise from current treatment methods. In some cases, surgery to remove the colon (colectomy) is performed. Even after surgery, certain symptoms of Colitis may still persist.

Immuron's Chief Executive Officer, Mr Thomas Liquard, added;

"Given our past success on Colitis models, we had plans for a comprehensive pre-clinical program in Colitis mapped out for some time. Prof. Rogler is one of the leading researchers in the field of Colitis and we are thrilled that he has decided to partner with us on this program. We will eagerly await the results of this study, which if positive, would provide our platform with yet another validation of its potency as a suppressor of gut inflammation."

Company Contact:

Thomas Liquard
Chief Executive Officer
AUS Ph: +61 (0)3 9824 52 54
thomasliquard@immuron.com

About Immuron:

Immuron Ltd (ASX: IMC; OTCQB: IMROY) is a microbiome company focused on developing and commercialising oral immunotherapeutics for the treatment of a many gut mediated diseases. Immuron has a unique and safe technology platform that enables a shorter development therapeutic cycle. The Company currently markets and sells Travelan® for the prevention of Travellers’ diarrhoea, whilst its lead product candidate IMM-124E is in Phase 2b clinical trials for NASH and ASH. These products together with the Company’s other preclinical immunotherapy pipeline products targeting immune-related diseases currently under development, will meet a large unmet need in the market. For more information visit: http://www.immuron.com/

Forward-Looking Statements:
Certain statements made in this release are forward-looking statements and are based on Immuron’s current expectations, estimates and projections. Words such as “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “guidance” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Although Immuron believes the forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, they are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond Immuron’s control, including those risks or uncertainties inherent in the process of both developing and commercialising technology. As a result, actual results could materially differ from those expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements made in this release relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made. Immuron will not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions or updates to these forward-looking statements to reflect events, circumstances or unanticipated events occurring after the date of this release except as required by law or by any appropriate regulatory authority.