Akzo Nobel's Diosynth Biotechnology and Human Genome Sciences sign antibody manufacturing agreement

Akzo Nobel's Diosynth Biotechnology and Human Genome Sciences sign antibody manufacturing agreement Arnhem / Oss, the Netherlands, June 10, 2004 - Akzo Nobel's Diosynth Biotechnology business and Human Genome Sciences, Inc. (HGSI) have reached an agreement on the process development and production of clinical quantities of a therapeutic monoclonal antibody. Under the agreement, Diosynth Biotechnology will be responsible for technology transfer, scaling-up and production in Diosynth's new large-scale cell culture facility in Oss, the Netherlands. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. "We are proud to have been chosen by Human Genome Sciences to support their monoclonal antibody development program," said Johan Evers, General Manager of Diosynth. "Although the present agreement covers only clinical manufacturing, the strategic potential of the relationship with HGSI is significant. We are looking forward to leveraging our experience and facilities to advance the clinical development of this therapeutic antibody." The first step of the current agreement involves the technology transfer of the manufacturing process and associated analytical procedures between HGSI and Diosynth Biotechnology. This will be followed by step-wise expansion of the production scale to 7,500 liters and then to 25,000 liters, to produce quantities sufficient for advanced clinical testing. The new cell culture manufacturing facilities of Diosynth Biotechnology in Oss, the Netherlands, are well suited to meet the needs of HGSI under this agreement. The new facility houses a broad range of reactors up to 25,000 liters - among the largest cell culture reactors in the world - which offer economies of scale for production of monoclonal antibodies. "In recent years our active pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturing business, Diosynth, has integrated its U.S. and European biotech services and facilities to form a single global organization that does business under the name Diosynth Biotechnology," said Toon Wilderbeek, Member of Akzo Nobel's Board of Management. "This strategic agreement with a renowned, innovative biotech company like HGSI demonstrates the recognition Diosynth Biotechnology has earned in the sector for its level of experience and commitment to its clients' needs." - - - Akzo Nobel, based in the Netherlands, serves customers throughout the world with healthcare products, coatings and chemicals. Consolidated sales for 2003 totaled EUR 13 billion. The Company currently employs approximately 64,300 people in more than 80 countries. The financial results for the second quarter will be published on July 19, 2004. Diosynth Biotechnology is a business entity of Akzo Nobel's Diosynth, which is a market-driven and technology-based manufacturer of complex active pharmaceutical ingredients. Diosynth's biotechnology operations feature the highest quality standards for robust and economically viable process development and cGMP manufacturing services for recombinant proteins, peptides and monoclonal antibodies. Diosynth Biotechnology, which operates FDA- and EMEA-inspected cGMP production facilities in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, U.S.A. and in Oss, the Netherlands, serves pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical customers globally. Internet: www.akzonobel.com; www.diosynth.com; www.diosynthbiotechnology.com Not for publication - for more information Akzo Nobel N.V. Corporate Media Relations, tel. +31 26 366 4343 Contact: Ian Cressie Safe Harbor Statement* This press release may contain statements which address such key issues as Akzo Nobel's growth strategy, future financial results, market positions, product development, pharmaceutical products in the pipeline, and product approvals. Such statements should be carefully considered and it should be understood that many factors could cause forecasted and actual results to differ from these statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, price fluctuations, currency fluctuations, developments in raw material and personnel costs, pensions, physical and environmental risks, legal issues, and legislative, fiscal, and other regulatory measures. Stated competitive positions are based on management estimates supported by information provided by specialized external agencies. For a more complete discussion of the risk factors affecting our business please refer to our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. A copy of which can be found on the Company's website. * Pursuant to the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act 1995. ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net The following files are available for download: http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2004/06/10/20040610BIT20860/wkr0006.pdf Pressmeddelandet som pdf