Biotest AG: New clinical results increase market potential of Cytotect®
Biotest AG / Miscellaneous
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New clinical results increase market potential of Cytotect®
· Scientific study: administration of CMV- immunoglobulins reduces risk of
tumour diseases following transplants
· Data of more than 40,000 patients analysed
· Transplant doctors discuss practice consequences
Dreieich, 16 July 2007. The indication range of Biotest's immunoglobulin,
Cytotect®, may be expanded. An article published in the renowned medical
magazine 'Lancet Oncology' by Prof. Dr. Gerhard Opelz from the Institute
for Immunology at the University of Heidelberg and his colleagues concludes
that the administration of Cytotect® significantly reduces the risk of
lymphomas following organ transplant surgery. The results are based on the
analysis of the data of more than 40,000 patients. The study was
acknowledged in a commentary in the same issue of the magazine, which
emphasises its significance in scientific terms.
Lymphomas (lymph node cancer) present a formidable complication following
transplants, which occurs in 2% to 5% of all patients. The most common
cause of these tumors is infection by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Since
transplant patients' immune system is inhibited in order to avoid rejection
of the transplanted organ, these patients are at particular risk of
infection by EBV. Cytotect® is already successfully administered as a
prophylaxis against cytomegalovirus infections (CMV) which occur following
transplants. Compared to other immunoglobulins, it contains an especially
high concentration of antibodies against the Epstein-Barr virus.
On 13 July renown experts in the field of transplantation discussed
together with Biotest possible consequences for clinical practice. The
participants were in unanimous agreement that the established CMV
prophylaxis also has a preventive effect on the formation of EBV-induced
lymphomas.
Biotest expects that the new results increase the market potential of
Cytotect®.
About Biotest
Biotest AG, Dreieich, Germany, is a company that researches and
manufactures pharmaceutical, biotherapeutic and diagnostic products and has
specialised in immunology and haematology. In its Pharmaceutical segment,
Biotest develops immunoglobulins, clotting factors and albumins based on
human blood plasma. These are used for diseases of the immune system or
haematopoietic system. In the Biotherapeutic segment, Biotest researches
into the clinical development of monoclonal antibodies, including in the
indications of rheumatoid arthritis and blood cancer. The Diagnostic
segment spans reagents and serology and microbiology systems which are
used, for example, in blood transfusions. Biotest has around 1,200
employees worldwide and its shares are listed in the Frankfurt Stock
Exchange's Prime Standard.
Biotest AG:
Biotest AG, Landsteinerstr. 5, D-63303 Dreieich, www.biotest.de
Dr. Marion Wendorff, Tel: +49 (0) 6103 801-520, e-mail:
marion_wendorff@biotest.de
Fax: +49 (0) 6103 801-7840
WKN, ISIN ordinary share: 522720, DE0005227201
WKN, ISIN preference share: 522723, DE0005227235
Listed: Prime Standard/official trading
Frankfurt, Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Stuttgart
DGAP 16.07.2007
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Language: English
Issuer: Biotest AG
Landsteinerstr. 5
63303 Dreieich Deutschland
Phone: +49 - 6103 / 801 - 0
Fax: +49 - 6103 / 801 - 150
E-mail: mail@biotest.de
Internet: www.biotest.de
ISIN: DE0005227201, DE0005227235
WKN: 522720, 522723
Indices:
Listed: Amtlicher Markt in Frankfurt (Prime Standard); Freiverkehr in
Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Stuttgart
End of News DGAP News-Service
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