Biohit and Oriola to distribution agreement

Biohit Oyj Stock Exchange Release March 10, 2015 at 3:45 p.m. local time (EET)

Biohit Oyj has signed a distribution agreement with Oriola Oy. The agreement is effective after a transition period (first half of 2015) and will replace the previous distribution agreement in Finland. With the agreement, Oriola gains exclusive rights for the distribution of Acetium® capsules and Acetium® lozenges in Finland.

Acetium® capsules efficiently bind (neutralize) carcinogenic acetaldehyde in an achlorhydric stomach. This contributes to the prevention of cancer in the mouth, stomach and oesophagus.  Acetium® capsules are intended e.g. for PPI users and persons suffering from an achlorhydric stomach caused by atrophy of the gastric mucosa and functional disorder (atrophic gastritis).  Atrophic gastritis can be found by a blood sample based on GastroPanel® test and can be caused by Helicobacter pylori infection, or as a result of an autoimmune disease. An anacidic stomach is the most significant risk factor for stomach and oesophageal cancer (1, see Additional information).

The Acetium® lozenge is intended to protect the mouth by binding acetaldehyde dissolved into saliva during smoking and alcohol consumption. Acetaldehyde is the most important carcinogen in cigarette smoke. (2,3).

CEO Semi Korpela, Biohit Oyj: ‘The unique Acetium® capsule is intended as a protection for anacidic stomachs and for PPI users and we are currently studying its suitability for the prevention of headache attacks in migraine and cluster headache patients. Promising results in the treatment of atrophic gastritis have been obtained In an Italian study. Also ongoing is a study to assess the effectiveness of Acetium® lozenge in a new indication i.e. to reduce nicotine dependence, and help with smoking cessation and/or reduction.’

Business Unit Director Jarkko Kiuru, Oriola Oy: ‘We look forward to co-operation with Biohit. Oriola’s strengths are service orientation, long history in the industry, efficient and reliable logistics and leading brands known by consumers. Acetium® products enable us to serve our customers with an even broader product portfolio. We believe in these innovative products opportunities also in new markets.’

Reference:
(1) Sipponen P et al (1985) Gastric cancer risk in chronic atrophic gastritis: statistical calculations of cross-sectional data. Int J Cancer 1985;35:173–177.
(2) Haussmann H-J (2012) Use of hazard indices for a theoretical evaluation of cigarette smoke composition. Chem Res Toxicol 2012;25:794-810.
(3) Burns DM et al (2008) Mandated lowering of toxicants in cigarette smoke: a description of the World Health Organization TobReg proposal. Tob Control 2008;17:132-41. 

Additional information:
CEO Semi Korpela, Biohit Oyj
tel. +358 9 773 861
investor.relations@biohit.fi
www.biohithealthcare.com

Biohit Oyj in brief

Biohit Oyj is a globally operating Finnish biotechnology company. Biohit’s mission is “Innovating for Health” – we produce innovative products and services to promote research and early diagnosis. Biohit is headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, and has subsidiaries in Italy and the UK. Biohit's Series B share (BIOBV) is quoted on Nasdaq Helsinki in the Small cap/Healthcare group. www.biohithealthcare.com

Oriola Oy in brief

Oriola Oy is a Finnish pharmaceutical wholesaler, service provider and marketer of health and well-being products, which strengths are skilled employees, efficient and reliable logistics, strong brands, high quality Oriola+ services as well as a long history in the industry. Oriola Oy is part of Oriola-KD Group which operates in a pharmaceutical retail and wholesale business in Northern-Europe. Oriola-KD’s net sales for continued operations in 2014 were approximately EUR 1.6 billion and it has 2 350 employees out of which 520 works in Pharmaceutical Trade Finland and Baltics. Further information at www.oriola.fi and www.oriola-kd.com.