Biotest AG: European approvals expand the market potential for plasma proteins
Biotest AG / Research Update
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Biotest: European approvals expand the market potential for plasma proteins
· Factor VIII product Haemoctin® and immunoglobulin Hepatect®
approved for use in additional countries
· Synergies generated for sales and marketing
· Further European approvals expected in the current year
Dreieich, 14 April 2008. The Biotest Group has achieved further milestones
to promote the internationalisation of its plasma proteins business which
is part of its corporate strategy. The factor VIII preparation Haemoctin®
for the treatment of haemophilia and hepatitis immunoglobulin Hepatect CP®
have been granted approval under the terms of the European Mutual
Recognition Procedure (MRP), opening up a number of further European
countries in which Biotest can now market both these products. Sales growth
of up to EUR 20 million is anticipated in the next two years for the two
products.
Particularly noteworthy is the fact that Hepatect CP® is the first
intravenously administered immunoglobulin (IVIG) for the prophylactic
treatment of hepatitis B to obtain approval in the UK, where it has already
been used for the purpose for some time under the terms of a special
'off-label use' regulation. Approval makes the treatment accessible to a
broader patient circle. Hepatect CP® is the second immunoglobulin from
Biotest to obtain approval in the UK after the polyvalent immunoglobulin
Intratect®, which has been marketed since 2006. Beyond the additional sales
potential, it also generates synergies in the area of sales and marketing.
Biotest is expecting further European approvals for its plasma proteins in
the current year. These include factor IX product, Haemonine® for the
treatment of haemophilia B and further European approvals for Albumin FH®.
Permission to market the upgraded version of Intratect®, where Biotest has
added nanofiltration as a further cleaning stage, is also anticipated.
Disclaimer
This document contains forward-looking statements on overall economic
development as well as on the business, earnings, financial and asset
situation of Biotest AG and its subsidiaries. These statements are based on
current plans, estimates, forecasts and expectations of the company and are
thus subject to risks and elements of uncertainty that could result in
deviation of actual developments from expected developments. The
forward-looking statements are only valid at the time of publication.
Biotest does not intend to update the forward-looking statements and
assumes no obligation to do so.
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 immunological diagnostics which are used, for
example, in blood transfusions and transplants. Biotest has around 1,800
employees worldwide and its shares are listed in the Frankfurt Stock
Exchange's Prime Standard and S-DAX.
Biotest AG:
Biotest AG, Landsteinerstr. 5, D-63303 Dreieich, www.biotest.de
Dr. Michael Ramroth
Tel: +49 (0) 6103 801-338
Fax: +49 (0) 6103 801-347
e-mail: michael_ramroth@biotest.de
WKN, ISIN ordinary share: 522720, DE0005227201
WKN, ISIN preference share: 522723, DE0005227235
Listed: Prime Standard/official trading
Frankfurt, Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Stuttgart
14.04.2008 Financial News transmitted by DGAP
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Language: English
Issuer: Biotest AG
Landsteinerstraße 5
63303 Dreieich
Deutschland
Phone: 0 61 03 - 8 01-0
Fax: 0 61 03 - 8 01-8 80
E-mail: investor_relations@biotest.de
Internet: http://www.biotest.de
ISIN: DE0005227201, DE0005227235
WKN: 522720, 522723
Indices: SDAX
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