Idera Pharmaceuticals to Present Preclinical Data on its Agonists of Toll-Like Receptors at AACR 2009 Annual Meeting

Business Wire, April 15, 2009

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: IDRA), today announced that data from evaluations of a dual Toll-like Receptor 7 (TLR7) and TLR8 agonist and a TLR9 agonist in preclinical models of cancer will be presented at the 2009 Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) being held in Denver, CO, April 18-22, 2009. The presentations are as follows:

Wednesday, April 22, 8:00AM-12:00PM (MDT): Cytokines, Immune Modulation, and Immune Monitoring Session

Abstract 5067 entitled “Antitumor activity of a novel dual agonist of TLR7 and TLR8 in a preclinical model of 3LL-C75 lung carcinoma in wild type, TLR7-/-, TLR9-/-, and MyD88-/- mice” will be presented by Idera scientists.

Abstract 5068 entitled “Antitumor activity of a dual agonist of TLR7 and TLR8 in combination with bevacizumab in preclinical models of human non-small cell lung and colon cancers” will be presented by Idera scientists.

Monday, April 20, 1:00PM-5:00PM (MDT): Combination Targeted Therapy Session

Abstract 2778 entitled “Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) interacts with ErbB receptors at membrane level and a TLR9 agonist synergizes with trastuzumab in trastuzumab-resistant breast cancer xenografts via modulation of ErbB signaling” will be presented by researchers from the University of Naples, Italy, in collaboration with Idera scientists.

About Idera’s Oncology Programs

Idera Pharmaceuticals has identified novel RNA-based compounds that act as specific agonists of TLR7 or TLR8, and similar compounds that are dual TLR7 and TLR8 agonists. The Company is studying these compounds in preclinical models of cancer as monotherapy and in combination with selected targeted agents.

Idera has also identified novel DNA-based compounds that act as agonists for TLR9. The Company entered into a worldwide licensing and collaboration agreement with Merck KGaA of Germany in December 2007 for the research, development and commercialization of Idera’s TLR9 agonists for the treatment of cancer, including the lead drug candidate IMO-2055.

About Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Idera Pharmaceuticals develops drug candidates to treat infectious diseases, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, cancer, and respiratory diseases, and for use as vaccine adjuvants. Our proprietary drug candidates are designed to modulate specific Toll-like Receptors, which are a family of immune system receptors that direct immune system responses. Our pioneering DNA and RNA chemistry expertise enables us to create drug candidates for internal development and generates opportunities for multiple collaborative alliances. For more information, visit www.iderapharma.com.

Idera Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. For this purpose, any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Without limiting the foregoing, the words "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "estimates," "intends," "should," "could," "will," "may," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors that could cause Idera's actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, including whether products based on Idera's technology will advance into or through the clinical trial process on a timely basis or at all and receive approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration or equivalent foreign regulatory agencies; whether, if the Company's products receive approval, they will be successfully distributed and marketed; whether the Company's collaborations with Novartis, Merck & Co., and Merck KGaA will be successful; whether the patents and patent applications owned or licensed by the Company will protect the Company’s technology and prevent others from infringing it; whether Idera's cash resources will be sufficient to fund the Company's operations; and such other important factors as are set forth under the caption "Risk Factors" in Idera's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 11, 2009, which important factors are incorporated herein by reference. Idera disclaims any intention or obligation to update any forward-looking statements.