GlycoMimetics, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing a new class of glycobiology-based therapies for a broad range of indications, announced today that they will present at the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America (SCDAA) 40th Annual Convention. The convention, designed to address the multi-factorial aspects of sickle cell disease through an exchange of the latest scientific and clinical information, will be held September 25-28, 2012, at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront in Baltimore, Maryland.

The GlycoMimetics’ presentation “Engaging with the Sickle Cell Community: From a Clinical Trial Perspective,” will highlight a pilot program designed to augment outreach to sickle cell communities through medical institutions participating in a Phase 2 clinical trial of the novel drug candidate, GMI-1070. The pilot program assessed the feasibility of using community outreach (e.g., activities and events designed for sickle cell patients and their families) as a tool to help support enrollment in the clinical study.

“We recognize the importance of engaging patients, families, and the sickle cell community as a whole to help increase awareness and understanding about clinical trials,” said Helen Thackray, M.D., Chief Medical Officer and Vice President of Clinical Development. “This convention provides an excellent forum to share our experiences and hear best practices on ways to better involve individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease. Our ultimate goal is to continue to advance our clinical program with the hopes of one day being able to offer a drug that will help reduce suffering for people living with sickle cell disease.”

For more information on the SCDAA Convention, visit: http://www.sicklecelldisease.org/index.cfm?page=annual-convention

About GMI-1070

GMI-1070 is a rationally designed glycomimetic inhibitor of E-, P- and L-selectins that interferes in a key early step in the inflammatory process leading to leukocyte adhesion and recruitment to inflamed tissue. GMI-1070 has shown activity in several models of diseases in which leukocyte adhesion and activation play a key role. GMI-1070 is initially being developed for the treatment of vaso-occlusive crisis associated with sickle cell disease. By inhibiting selectin interactions, GMI-1070 may be able to decrease the enhanced cell adhesion that results in vaso-occlusive crisis. In preclinical studies, GMI-1070 restored blood flow to affected vessels of sickle cell animals experiencing vaso-occlusive crisis. Two Phase 1 trials of GMI-1070 were successfully completed in the first quarter of 2009, with no serious adverse events reported. The program is currently in Phase 2 clinical testing. GMI-1070 is also being evaluated in preclinical studies for the treatment of other diseases, including hematologic malignancies, where selectin-mediated cell adhesion and migration is known to play a key role in the disease process.

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 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.