Commenting on this funding, Dr. Michael Berendt, Aegera’s new President and CEO declared “I am extremely excited that with this first close of our Series C funding, Aegera is poised to achieve significant clinical milestones for each of our three drug programs over the next 18 months. In addition to working very aggressively on our three internal programs, we have already begun to identify additional in-licensing and merger and acquisition opportunities that will position Aegera as one of Canada’s most exciting biotechnology companies.”

Luc Marengere, Managing General Partner at VenGrowth added, “Aegera is one of the most promising private biotechnology companies in Canada today. They have successfully made the transition from the research bench to the clinic and have the management depth, intellectual property and clinical programs to rapidly develop into a leading North American biotechnology company.”

This funding was strongly supported by other existing investors including GrowthWorks, Business Development Bank of Canada, Desjardins Venture Capital, Multiple Capital and Solidarity Fund (QFL). New investors are being solicited for a second closing of this Series C funding, early in 2007.

For more information, please visit Aegera’s website at www.aegera.com