XOMA Awarded Key Flexible Manufacturing Patent

BERKELEY, Calif., Nov. 20, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- XOMA Corporation (Nasdaq:XOMA), a leader in the discovery and development of therapeutic antibodies, today announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has awarded it U.S. patent no. 8,584,349, entitled "Flexible Manufacturing System." This patent relates to modular, flexible manufacturing facilities.

"This is a fundamental patent for XOMA in the fast emerging flexible manufacturing field," stated Pat Scannon, Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of XOMA. "With 5 of the top 10 selling drugs globally being biologics, the emphasis on discovering and developing new biologic drug candidates has never been higher. Fast, flexible manufacturing techniques address a key hurdle in early stage biologics development – that of creating drug supply in appropriate quantities in the clinical development process."

The patent is directed to a flexible system of movable manufacturing bays, adapted to easily and quickly connect to a central supply of utilities such as air, water, and electricity. This unique arrangement facilitates flexible design and eliminates change-over downtime, which translates into significantly reduced capital expenditures, production costs, and maintenance costs. The flexible manufacturing system can be applied to fields as diverse as pharmaceuticals, biologics, and electronics.

About XOMA

XOMA's portfolio of innovative product candidates is the result of the Company's focus on allosteric modulation, which offers opportunities to develop new classes of therapeutic antibodies with the potential to treat a wide range of human diseases. XOMA is developing its lead product gevokizumab (IL-1 beta modulating antibody) with SERVIER through a global Phase 3 program in non-infectious uveitis and ongoing proof-of-concept studies in other IL-1-mediated diseases. XOMA's scientific research also produced the XMet program, which consists of three classes of preclinical antibodies, including Selective Insulin Receptor Modulators (SIRMs) that could have a major effect on the treatment of diabetes.

More detailed information can be found at www.xoma.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release including, but not limited to, statements related to anticipated timing of initiation and completion of clinical trials and proof-of-concept trials, anticipated size of clinical trials, continued sales of approved products, sufficiency of our cash resources and anticipated levels of cash utilization, or that otherwise relate to future periods are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements are based on assumptions that may not prove accurate, and actual results could differ materially from those anticipated due to certain risks inherent in the biotechnology industry and for companies engaged in the development of new products in a regulated market. Potential risks to XOMA meeting these expectations are described in more detail in XOMA's most recent filing on Form 10-K and in other SEC filings. Consider such risks carefully when considering XOMA's prospects. Any forward-looking statement in this press release represents XOMA's views only as of the date of this press release and should not be relied upon as representing its views as of any subsequent date. XOMA disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required by applicable law.

CONTACT: XOMA Corporation

         Company and Investor Contact:
         Ashleigh Barreto
         510-204-7482
         barreto@xoma.com

         Juliane Snowden
         The Oratorium Group, LLC
         jsnowden@oratoriumgroup.com

         Media Contact:
         Canale Communications
         Carolyn Hawley
         619-849-5375
         carolyn@canalecomm.com

Released November 20, 2013