HIV Drug Fuzeon Sales Up; Losses Down at Trimeris

MORRISVILLE,Trimeris cut its quarterly losses in the fourth quarter and for the year 2004 as sales of its HIV drug Fuzeon continue to grow, the company said Thursday.

Trimeris (Nasdaq: TRMS) said it lost $5.7 million in the fourth quarter, down from $8.3 million the previous quarter and slashed from a $15.1 million deficit in the same quarter of 2003.

Overall in 2004, Trimeris reduced its loss to $40.1 million from $65.7 million. In addition to Fuzeon sales, Trimeris said it helped cut losses through reduced research and development expenses.

Fuzeon sales hit $135.2 million in 2004, up from $36.5 million in 2003 when the drug was launched.

Trimeris produces and markets Fuzeon along with Roche.

Trimeris: www.trimeris.com