A: A Key goal for Trimeris this year is to maintain double digit FUZEON Sales growth by continuing to position FUZEON as a key treatment option for HIV patients. We also intend to improve the persistency of therapy with FUZEON once therapy begins and also progress alternative delivery options including needle-free injection systems. In addition, we will continue advancing our Next Generation Fusion Inhibitor (NGFI) compounds toward Clinical Candidate selection with our partner, Roche. Lastly, we will aggressively manage our business to build on the momentum of having achieved profitability in Q42005.

Q: What's one thing you didn't see coming?

A: I didn't fully appreciate how deeply entrenched were views of Trimeris by the financial community. Even after the substantial progress we've demonstrated with the growth of FUZEON, advancing our next generation pipeline technology, managing our cost structure, and posting our first profitable quarter, it has not been reflected in our share price -- no doubt, there is a profound under appreciation of the inherent value of Trimeris, both short- and long-term.

Q: What's the most innovative thing you've seen or heard another company doing?

A: Apple launched a relatively minor technological innovation in the iPod and focused on 2 critical customer needs -- improvement in form and ease of use. Moreover, their integration of the iPod with ITunes provided for seamless interaction by the consumer with the device and the software. Their intensive branding and continuous product improvements have created a dominant product with unique momentum that has become a cultural icon. They have achieved the trifecta -- innovation across customer, product, and strategic perspectives.

Q: How about your own company?

A: FUZEON is an incredibly innovative product by definition, as it is a “First-in-class” HIV antiretroviral compound that patients desperately need to combat multi-drug resistant HIV strains and it remains the sole market entrant in this class. Getting FUZEON to market was a remarkable achievement, having overcome hurdles to commercialization that many thought insurmountable. Trimeris' fusion inhibitor platform technology continues to produce innovative drug candidates as evidenced by our next generation compounds advancing toward the clinic.

Q: Who or what is your biggest competition? Why?

A: Frankly, HIV itself is a formidable competitor given the nature of the disease and the ability of the virus to mutate to render antiretroviral drugs less effective. This is why we have invested heavily in our Next Generation Fusion Inhibitor program to provide additional treatment options for patients. For small cap companies in the biotechnology space, the competition for attracting Wall Street investors and Research Analyst support is significant, as there are several hundred public biotechnology companies competing for the same pool of investment funds. Trimeris is fortunate to have very good support from a number of long-term investors and key investment banks based on our successful track record of developing and launching FUZEON.

Q: What is the biggest issue facing the state?

A: Education is the biggest issue facing our state. North Carolina ranks 39/50 when measured by percent of our population 25+ years who have no high school diploma or GED. This is a sad commentary on the state of our educational system. It should be a top priority to ensure that excellence is the target of all aspects of our educational system in order to deliver superior and competitive schooling for all of our children.

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