Immunex Corp. said Tuesday that it filed a product licenseapplication (PLA) supplement with the FDA seeking approval tomarket Leukine for use in peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC)mobilization for transplantation.

Immunex, of Seattle, said it is the first company seeking approval ofa growth factor for PBSC mobilization. Leukine, a granulocytemacrophage-colony stimulating factor, stimulates production ofwhite blood cells.

It already is approved for use in bone marrow transplants. PLAsupplements have been filed for Leukine to treat acute myelogenousleukemia and for chemotherapy-induced neutropenia.

Valoree Dowell, vice president, corporate communications forImmunex, told BioWorld that 4,000 to 5,000 stem cell transplantswere performed in the U.S. in 1994, up from about 1,000 in 1993.She said the filing "reflects our intention to expand indications [forLeukine] to reflect trends in the market place."

Immunex's stock (NASDAQ:IMNX) was up 18 cents Tuesday,closing at $17.06 per share. _ Jim Shrine

------------------------------Jay Lawrence - Cartermill Inc.410 563-2378 phone410 563-5389 fax

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