KAROLINSKA DEVELOPMENT: EMEA Recommends Orphan Drug Designation for Acute Myeloid Leukemia treatment

2010-02-18

STOCKHOLM - February 18, 2010. The European Medicines Agency (EMEA) recommends orphan drug status for Aprea's treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The treatment is currently undergoing a Phase I clinical study and a final decision from the European Commission regarding status is expected in a few weeks. Aprea is part of the Karolinska Development portfolio.

"Aprea is developing a new class of anticancer drugs for the treatment of acute myelogenous leukemia, the most common acute leukemia affecting adults which is currently lacking efficient treatment. An orphan drug status would significantly shorten the development time, lower development costs and if approved extend market exclusivity to the benefit of affected patients, Aprea and Karolinska Development", says Conny Bogentoft, CEO Karolinska Development.

Karolinska Development holds 43 percent of the Aprea share capital and votes. For further information about Aprea, please visit www.aprea.com

For more information, please contact:
Conny Bogentoft, CEO Karolinska Development
Tel: +46 (0) 706 88 61 43,
e-mail: conny.bogentoft@karolinskadevelopment.com