Biolipox expands collaboration with the Karolinska Institutet

Biolipox expands collaboration with the Karolinska Institutet Biolipox, a pharmaceutical R&D company with a world-class research profile within the field of inflammatory disease, particularly asthma and allergy, strengthens an already well-established network of cutting edge competence at the Karolinska Institutet through the expansion of its operations at KI. The Karolinska Institutet will through this collaboration become a shareholder in Biolipox. At the end of the year 2002, Biolipox received confirmation of its accomplishments by raising E21 million in capital, and the company will now extend the number of employed scientists. An agreement for renting facilities at KI has been signed. "By continuously linking the most prominent scientists to our company, we increase our chances of succeeding in developing pharmaceuticals within the inflammatory disease field", says Carl-Johan Dalsgaard, CEO at Biolipox. "In addition", according to Dr Dalsgaard, "the strategic value of Biolipox developing its research activities at the Karolinska Institutet is infinite, as KI contains all the expertise that has permitted the institute to position itself on the frontier of inflammatory disease research". The incidence of asthma and allergy has increased by 200% since the 1970s. According to the World Health Organization, the diseases are reaching epidemic proportions. The total anti-inflammatory market is valued at more than E38 billion. "KI has a long tradition of research collaborations with pharmaceutical companies. To further strengthen this practice and to facilitate the implantation of companies close to KI, Karolinska Science Park has been created. It is run by Karolinska Institutet Holding AB through its daughter company, Karolinska Research Service AB", says Folke Meijer, CEO of Karolinska Institutet Holding AB. Biolipox was founded in 2000 by Professors Hans-Erik Claesson and Magnus Björkholm, both of the Karolinska Institute, after a seed financing by HealthCap. Based on a long tradition of world-leading research in the field of arachidonic acid, Biolipox's current pipeline comprises drugs targeting respiratory inflammatory diseases, particularly allergic rhinitis, and asthma, and inflammatory pain. The achievements which form the foundation for the understanding of the role of arachidonic acid in inflammatory processes were rewarded with the 1982 Nobel Prize. Professor Bengt Samuelsson, one of the Nobel Prize winners, is a member of the Board at Biolipox. Biolipox business concept involves producing innovative pharmaceuticals which meet medical needs in inflammatory disease, primarily asthma and pain. This is achieved in collaboration with researchers all over the world. At the point where the efficaciousness of the substances is proven, Biolipox will also be entering into license agreements with the major pharmaceuticals companies on the further development, marketing and sales of the product. For more information: Carl-Johan Dalsgaard, CEO Biolipox; mobile: +46 70 975 98 63 Folke Meijer, CEO Karolinska Institutet Holding AB; phone: +46 8 728 65 87 mobile; +46 70 511 43 47 Biolipox AB is a pharmaceutical R&D company, focused on creating novel, efficacious and cost effective therapeutic opportunities for respiratory conditions and other inflammatory disorders. Biolipox' scientific platform is based on world-class arachidonic acid cascade research, performed at the Karolinska Institutet, and on development of nitric oxide (NO)-releasing drugs. The company has a broad portfolio of potential blockbusters in the respiratory therapy area and unique targets for novel anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs. Biolipox AB, Box 6280 , SE-102 34 Stockholm, Sweden. Tel: +46-8-545 28 140, Fax: +46-8-545 28 141, E-mail: carl-johan.dalsgaard@ofco.se www.biolipox.com ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net The following files are available for download: http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2003/08/22/20040511BIT20980/wkr0006.pdf