Restructuring of Biohit Acetium distribution in Canada

Biohit Oyj Stock Exchange Release December 23 2013 at 4 P.M. local time (EET)
 

Finnish healthcare company Biohit Oyj is restructuring its distribution regarding Acetium products in Canada and therefore has signed a distribution agreement with Canadian company Medical Futures Inc. The agreement is effective immediately and will replace the previous distribution agreement. Within the agreement, Medical Futures Inc. gains exclusive rights for the distribution of Acetium capsules and lozenges in Canada.

The L-cysteine in Acetium capsules dissolves slowly into the gastric fluid, efficiently binding (neutralising) 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). An anacidic stomach is the most significant risk factor for stomach and oesophageal cancer. (1).

The Acetium lozenge is intended for smokers to bind acetaldehyde that dissolves in saliva during smoking. Acetaldehyde is the most important carcinogen in cigarette smoke. (2,3).

CEO Semi Korpela, Biohit Oyj: “Acetium capsules help to reduce carcinogenic acetaldehyde in the stomachs of patients who have hypoacidic or anacidic stomachs, or, who use antacid medication (i.e. proton pump inhibitors and H2-receptor antagonists) through the slow and local release of L-cystein, now also available in Canada.  The Acetium lozenge will be registered in the next phase”.

CEO Lee Ferreira, Medical Futures Inc.: “We look forward to our partnership with Biohit Oyj and to providing Canadians with access to Acetium. With acetaldehyde exposure linked to approximately four million new cases of cancer globally, each year, this innovative product will address the needs of many individuals seeking an option to reduce this carcinogen”.

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 in brief

Biohit Oyj is a globally operating Finnish biotechnology company established in 1988. Biohit's mission is "Innovating for Health". The purpose of the company is to take social responsibility and produce innovation, new technologies and analysis systems for use in medicine, research institutions and industry, helping to promote research and diagnostics and to improve the quality of life of people by preventing disease, human suffering and financial loss. We are committed to social responsibility and it is our duty to spread knowledge about the Group I human carcinogen, acetaldehyde, and innovate and develop the marketing and availability of our products and services. Biohit is headquartered in Helsinki, Finland and its subsidiaries are located in Italy and the United Kingdom. Since 1999, Biohit's series B shares (BIOBV) have been listed in the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Oy Small cap/Healthcare sector. www.biohithealthcare.com

Medical Futures Inc. in brief

Medical Futures Inc. is a niche pharmaceutical company with a focus on Gastroenterology, Pain Management, Dermatology and Women’s Health. We provide Canadians with safe, effective and affordable products to help improve the overall quality of their lives. http://medfutures.com/