Gambro's PET process will be used in the production of blood substitute product
Gambro's Pathogen Eradication Technology (PET) will be used in the production of Sangart's blood substitute product Stockholm, Sweden, July 27, 2001 Gambro AB (Stockholmsbörsen: GAMBaST, GAMBbST), a leading international medical technology and healthcare company, today announced that it has entered into a comprehensive strategic partnership with Sangart, Inc. based in San Diego, California, USA. Sangart develops innovative hemoglobin-based blood substitutes. The strategic partnership involves a license for Sangart to utilize Gambro BCT's leading edge PET technology for inactivation of viruses in its production process. Sangart produces hemoglobin-based products from human red blood cells and will use the PET technology to inactivate potential viruses in the red blood cells. In addition to the license, Gambro BCT will supply disposables for the PET process to Sangart. Sangart's products will help meet the substantial shortage of blood for transfusions. "Sangart's choice of PET for pathogen inactivation confirms the potential for the PET program. This is the first time we have seen a hemoglobin-based substitute that could have a significant impact on the transfusion industry. The partnership also supports Gambro BCT's commitment to improving the safety and trust in the world's blood supply", says David Perez, President and CEO of Gambro BCT. Sangart's lead product, Hemospan, is based upon the research of one of the world's leading authorities on hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers (HBOC), Dr. Robert Winslow. Having worked many years in Academia and for the US Army, Dr. Winslow founded Sangart in 1998 to commercialize his research. Hemospan has shown very encouraging results in pre-clinical trials. Phase I trials on humans are expected to commence during the fall. "The Gambro PET technology will enable us to meet the regulatory requirements for eliminating any potential risk for virus transmission. It also allows us to focus on product development and clinical trials, and hopefully getting the product to market faster," Dr. Winslow commented. As part of the partnership, Gambro makes an investment of about USD 3 M in Sangart and David Perez will assigned to Sangart's Board of Directors. "These types of investments in leading edge technology driven companies with a strategic link to our existing businesses will be an important tool for Gambro in building our position for the future", says Annemarie Gardshol, Senior Vice President of Gambro and head of Gambro Strategic Development. Gambro BCT is a world leader in blood bank technology and therapeutic apheresis through automated blood collection, pre-storage leukoreduction, and the development of a unique approach to enhancing blood safety using Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) and light to inactivate pathogens in blood components (the PET process). Sangart was founded in 1998 by Professor Robert M. Winslow to develop and commercialize products and technologies related to blood substitutes. The company is based in San Diego, California, USA. The company's business concept is developing products that can temporarily substitute blood in transfusions during surgery and with injuries that involve the loss of blood. For further information please contact: David Perez, President Gambro BCT, tel. +1 303 232 68 00 Bengt Modéer, Investor Relations, tel. +46-8-613 65 00, +46-70-513 65 33 Karin Avasalu, Corporate Communications, tel. +46-8-613 65 00, +46-70- 513 65 99 Kevin Smith, President Gambro Inc., Investor Relations US, tel. +1-303 231 4750 ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net The following files are available for download: http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2001/07/27/20010727BIT00230/bit0001.doc http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2001/07/27/20010727BIT00230/bit0001.pdf