Biotest AG: Biotest strengthens self-sufficiency in Plasma Proteins
Biotest AG / Miscellaneous
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Biotest strengthens self-sufficiency in Plasma Proteins
· Opening of new plasmapheresis centres in the USA, Germany and Hungary
· Consequently, Biotest will operate 20 of its own centres worldwide
this year
· Self-sufficiency rate target of 50%
Dreieich, 7 August 2008. Biotest is significantly expanding its capacities
for obtaining blood plasma, the raw material used in the production of
plasma proteins. The company opened a new plasmapheresis station in Iowa
City last week, thus bringing the total number of stations in the USA
operated by Biotest to ten. This year, Europe will also see the launch of
plasma collection operations at two new centres in Budapest in Hungary and
in Nordhausen in Germany.
Including the new openings, Biotest will have 20 of its own plasma
collection stations worldwide. Half of these stations are located in the
USA and are operated by the US subsidiary Biotest Pharmaceuticals
Corporation (BPC). In Germany, Biotest will then have eight centres, in
addition to one station in Innsbruck, Austria and one in Budapest, Hungary.
Human blood plasma is the most important raw material used in the
production of immunoglobulins, coagulation factors and albumin. By
operating its own centres and long-term cooperation with corresponding
donors, Biotest is securing a continuous supply of plasma.
At present, the company covers around 40% of its total requirement through
its own collection capacities, with this rate set to rise to 50% in the
medium term. This high degree of self-sufficiency increases Biotest’s
independence from the plasma prices in the global market, which have been
recording a continuous upward trend in recent years. The demand for
high-value blood plasma will rise further, in particular in immunotherapy,
in light of additional areas of application for plasma protein end
products.
The process of plasmapheresis involves removing blood plasma from the donor
blood while the cellular components (red and white blood cells) are
returned immediately to the donor’s circulatory system. In contrast to a
whole blood donation, this facilitates a considerably shorter period of
time between donations.
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 1,850
employees worldwide and its shares are listed in the Stock Exchange's SDAX.
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
07.08.2008 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
Listed: Regulierter Markt in Frankfurt (Prime Standard); Freiverkehr
in Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Stuttgart
End of News DGAP News-Service
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