GlycoMimetics, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing a new class of glycobiology-based therapies for a broad range of indications, announced today that the William E. Proudford Sickle Cell Fund presented the company with its 2012 Unsung Hero Award last night. The award was presented during the organization’s 7th Annual “Rockin’ the Red” Fundraiser which was held at the Legg Mason World Headquarters, in Baltimore, Maryland.

The Unsung Hero Award is bestowed to individuals and organizations that have helped to raise awareness about sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait. Each year, a different segment of the community is chosen in an effort to emphasize that a community-wide effort is needed to help combat sickle cell disease. Previous Unsung Hero awardees have included United States Senator Thomas Carper, Maryland State Delegate Shirley Nathan-Pulliam, Dr. Sophie Lanzkron with Johns Hopkins, and Ms. Jean R. Wadman with Nemours duPont Hospital for Children.

“We are extremely honored to be recognized for our research of treatment options for people living with sickle cell disease by such a remarkable organization,” said Chief Executive Officer Rachel K. King. “Receiving this award bolsters our company’s efforts to advance our lead drug candidate, GMI-1070, which is currently in a Phase 2 clinical trial of patients experiencing sickle cell crisis. We hope this drug can make a difference for people living with sickle cell disease.”

GlycoMimetics is studying vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) of sickle cell disease, one of the most debilitating effects of sickle cell disease, where changes in blood protein cause red blood cells to become rigid and stick inside small blood vessels, causing blockages in blood flow and pain. Researchers are studying the potential of GlycoMimetics’ lead drug candidate, GMI-1070, to treat VOC by reducing the cell adhesion and inflammation that is believed to contribute to blood flow blockages.

About the William E. Proudford Sickle Cell Fund

The William E. Proudford Sickle Cell Fund supports sickle cell awareness, education, state-of-the-art treatment and research and is named in honor of William E. Proudford who passed away in 2004. His family began the organization because of the unique challenges they encountered in understanding and getting adequate treatment for his sickle cell disease. For more information, visit: http://www.wepsicklecell.org.

About GlycoMimetics, Inc.

GlycoMimetics is a privately held biotechnology company that capitalizes on advances in the field of glycobiology. The company uses a specialized chemistry platform to rationally design new drug candidates. The company's initial focus is on therapeutics to treat inflammation, cancer, and infectious diseases. In October 2011, GlycoMimetics entered into an exclusive worldwide licensing agreement with Pfizer Inc. for the GlycoMimetics investigational compound GMI-1070. GMI-1070 is a pan-selectin antagonist currently in Phase 2 development for the treatment of vaso-occlusive crisis associated with sickle cell disease. GMI-1070 has received Orphan Drug and Fast Track status from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For additional information, please visit the company's web site: http://www.glycomimetics.com.