Karessa's first day of trading on First North

Today is the first trading day for Karessa (ticker code KARE) on Nasdaq Stockholm First North. Karessa is developing and commercialising the next generation of pharmaceutical products to treat erectile dysfunction. The market is worth around USD 4.3 billion and is about to undergo significant changes, opening up major opportunities for Karessa.

Almost half of all men above the age of 40 suffer from some degree of erectile dysfunction, i.e. the inability to achieve and maintain an erection that is sufficient to enable sexual activity. Karessa aims to develop the next generation of products in this field, offering a faster and more reliable effect than those currently dominating the market.

 "The listing is a natural step in our endeavours to build a world-leading company in the growing market for erectile dysfunction treatments," says Torbjörn Kemper, CEO of Karessa.

 Until very recently, the market has been dominated by three players: Pfizer Inc (Viagra), Eli Lilly & Co (Cialis) and Bayer AG (Levitra/Staxyn). The patents behind the drugs supplied by these players are now successively expiring, and in line with this the market is opening up to new players. In addition to this, discussions are under way in several countries regarding the possibility of selling the drugs without prescription, as is already the case in New Zealand. This would probably further fuel demand.

 "Our business model is based on combining proven, effective and approved substances with our own patented drug-delivery platform," says Kemper. "Through this combination, we are generating significant benefits, both for the patient and for Karessa itself. Our medicinal product will not be taken in tablet form, but will instead be delivered directly into the bloodstream via a film that is applied discreetly to the oral mucosa. Herein lies the strength and the uniqueness of our concept."

 The main advantages include a faster and more reliable effect compared with traditional oral tablets. Since the drug is delivered straight into the bloodstream and does not need to pass the stomach, its uptake is only minimally affected by simultaneous consumption of food and drink – which can otherwise make a large difference.

 "Erectile dysfunction is a very common condition, and Karessa's solution will enable a welcome return to spontaneity," says Kemper. "For Karessa's part, the concept means a shorter time to market, lower costs and significantly reduced risk with regard to development and clinical studies."

 The shortname for the share is KARE and the ISIN code is SE0005506193. Remium is Certified Advisor for Karessa.

For more information, visit Karessa's new website – www.karessa.se – or contact:
Torbjörn Kemper
CEO
+46 (0) 8-768 22 33
torbjorn.kemper@karessa.se

About Karessa Pharma AB
Karessa Pharma AB is developing and commercialising the next generation of medicinal products to treat erectile dysfunction. Karessa's concept is based on a patented drug delivery film, which is combined with clinically tested and proven active substances. This combination results in a medicinal product that delivers both a direct and reliable effect. Karessa's shares are traded on Nasdaq First North. www.karessa.se

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