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Biotest AG: European approval for Haemonine®

Biotest AG / Miscellaneous

Release of a Corporate News, transmitted by DGAP - a company of EquityStory
AG.
The issuer / publisher is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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European approval for Haemonine®

- Coagulation factor IX approved in the most important European markets 
- Preparation for the treatment of type B haemophilia completes product 
  spectrum
- Possibility of more efficient use of plasma as a raw material

Dreieich, 10 December 2008. Biotest has taken another step forward in the
continued development of its plasma protein business. The responsible
authorities granted approval for the coagulation drug Haemonine® to be used
in the prevention and treatment of type B haemophilia in the most important
European markets. Approval was granted under the European Decentralised
Procedure (DCP). Haemonine® replaces another product which Biotest
previously marketed within the framework of a licensing agreement.

Type B haemophilia is the rarer of the two types of blood disorder and
results from  coagulation factor IX deficiency in the blood. Type A
haemophilia, caused by coagulation factor VIII deficiency, is about ten
times more common. Biotest produces Haemoctin® for the acute treatment and
prevention of this disease. The product was approved for further European
markets in March 2008.

Haemonine® completes the company’s product range of coagulation factors.
The approval creates the preconditions required to expand its presence in
the core European markets. In addition, Biotest will be in a position in
future to compete for contracts to supply markets outside the European
Union and toll manufacturing contracts for reference approval in Europe.
This makes it easier to develop new markets. Thirdly, the production of
both coagulation factors facilitates more efficient use of human blood
plasma as a raw material.

Without treatment, even the smallest of injuries can be life-threatening to
haemophilia patients, which is why most sufferers in Europe and the USA
receive prophylactic treatment in the form of the missing coagulation
factor. Furthermore, the factors are used for acute treatment of the
disease. Currently, only around 25% of all haemophiliacs worldwide are
receiving treatment.


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 801-520, 
e-mail: michael_ramroth@biotest.de
Fax: +49 (0) 6103 801-347

WKN, ISIN ordinary share: 522720, DE0005227201
WKN, ISIN preference share: 522723, DE0005227235
Listed: Prime Standard/official trading
Frankfurt, Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Stuttgart 
10.12.2008  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 01-150
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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