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Biovitrum AB (STO:BVT) STOCKHOLM, Sweden and MADISON, New Jersey, USA - November 12, 2008. Biovitrum AB (publ) (STO:BVT) and Wyeth (NYSE:WYE) today announced an extension of the ReFacto® supply agreement until December 31, 2015. Biovitrum will continue to be the sole producer of drug substance for Wyeth for ReFacto®, as well as Xyntha®/ReFacto® AF, the successor products, and will continue to receive royalties from Wyeth's global sales. Biovitrum's co-promotion rights in the Nordic region remain unchanged.
"We are very pleased to be able to announce the prolongation of our long and successful collaboration with Wyeth. The agreement enables us to together provide the new improved Xyntha® and ReFacto® AF internationally, and to improve the lives of hemophilia patients." commented Martin Nicklasson, CEO of Biovitrum. "The agreement validates our biotechnology therapeutic production capabilities and expertise," Nicklasson added.
About ReFacto®, Xyntha® and ReFacto® AF ReFacto®, Xyntha® and ReFacto® AF are recombinant protein drugs for hemophilia A. In this form of bleeding disorder, the blood's ability to coagulate is compromised due to a deficiency of coagulation factor VIII in the blood. Uncontrolled internal bleeding may produce pain and swelling as well as permanent damage, especially in joints. Injections of factor VIII and health care allow most persons with hemophilia A to live a normal life. Market growth for recombinant protein-based drugs to treat hemophilia A is primarily governed by the transition from plasma-based products and an increased acceptance of prophylactic treatment. The market for recombinant factor VIII used in the treatment of hemophilia A in the Nordic regions reached about EUR 80 million in 2007, of which ReFacto accounted for a market share of about 30 percent. Biovitrum's total revenues from the ReFacto business amounted to SEK 915 in 2007.
ReFacto® AF, approved in the US and Canada under the registered trade mark Xyntha®, is manufactured by Biovitrum using next generation purification processes designed to reduce the risk of viral contamination, a production process completely devoid of human or animal components.
About Biovitrum Biovitrum is a pharmaceutical company with operations in Sweden and in the UK. The company markets a range of specialist pharmaceuticals primarily in the Nordic countries. Using its expertise and experience Biovitrum takes scientific innovation all the way to the market and to specialist indication patients with significant medical need. Research expertise and capabilities include development and production of biotechnology therapeutics, as well as small molecule discovery and development. With revenues of approximately SEK 1.3 billion and around 500 employees, Biovitrum is a significant European specialty pharmaceutical player. Biovitrum's share is listed on the OMX Nordic Exchange in Stockholm. For more information go to www.biovitrum.com
For more information please contact:
Biovitrum Martin Nicklasson, CEO Phone: +46 8 697 2545
