DOW JONES NEWSWIRES

Marshall Edwards Inc.'s (NASDAQ-NMS:MSHL) (MSHL) drug to treat pancreatic and bile duct cancers, triphendiol, was granted orphan drug status by the Food and Drug Administration, giving it seven years of market exclusivity and other benefits.

The New Canaan, Conn., oncology company said triphendiol reduced tumors by 62% during in vitro and animal laboratory testing and demonstrated acceptable pharmcokinetic profiles in healthy humans during two Phase I clinical studies.

Marshall Edwards plans to conduct Phase II human clinical studies throughout 2008.

The company's shares closed Friday at $2.37, up 37 cents, or 18.5%.

-Shara Tibken; 201-938-5400, AskNewswires@dowjones.com

    (END) Dow Jones Newswires   01-22-08 0923   Copyright (c) 2008 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.