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SAN DIEGO, CA, USA I June 3, 2014 I Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: ARNA) announced today the initiation of dosing in an investigational Phase 1b clinical trial of APD334, a novel, oral drug candidate that targets the sphingosine 1-phosphate subtype 1 (S1P1) receptor, to evaluate the compound for the treatment of a number of autoimmune diseases.

This randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled Phase 1b trial will evaluate the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of multiple-ascending doses of APD334 in up to 96 healthy adult volunteers.

“We continue to make progress in advancing our novel pipeline of internally discovered drug candidates, and remain committed to our vision of leading the industry in the discovery, development and commercialization of GPCR-directed medicines,” said William R. Shanahan, M.D., Arena’s Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer.

About Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases are characterized by an inappropriate immune response against substances and tissues that are normally present in the body. In an autoimmune reaction, a person’s antibodies and immune cells target healthy tissues, triggering an inflammatory response. Reducing the immune and/or inflammatory response is an important goal in the treatment of autoimmune diseases.

About APD334

APD334 is an orally available investigational drug candidate discovered by Arena that targets the S1P1 receptor, with therapeutic potential in a spectrum of autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. S1P1 receptors have been demonstrated to be involved in the modulation of several biological responses, including lymphocyte trafficking from lymph nodes to the peripheral blood. By isolating lymphocytes in lymph nodes, fewer immune cells are available in the circulating blood to effect tissue damage. Arena has optimized APD334 as a potent and selective small molecule S1P1 receptor agonist that reduces the severity of disease in preclinical autoimmune disease models.

About Arena Pharmaceuticals

Arena is embracing the challenge of improving health by seeking to bring innovative medicines targeting G protein-coupled receptors to patients. Arena’s internally discovered drug, BELVIQ® (lorcaserin HCl), is approved in the United States, and Arena is focused on discovering, developing and commercializing additional drugs to address unmet medical needs.Arena’s US operations are located in San Diego, California, and its operations outside of the United States, including its commercial manufacturing facility, are located in Zofingen, Switzerland. For more information, visit Arena’s website at www.arenapharm.com.

SOURCE: Arena Pharmaceuticals

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