Orexo receives European patent approval for OX 17

Orexo has been informed by the European patent authority that Orexo’s patent for the combination concept for the treatment of GERD – gastroesophageal reflux disease – has been granted and will be published on May 30, 2007. The patent is a formulation patent protecting combinations of H2-receptor blockers and proton pump inhibitors (PPI). The patent has previously been approved in China, Australia and New Zealand, and patent is pending in the North-American market.

The OX 17 product candidate targets the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a disease caused by recurrent acid reflux. OX 17 quickly and effectively impedes the stomach´s production of hydrochloric acid, an essential step for effective symptom relief in patients suffering from reflux disease. The competitive advantage of OX 17 is the fast, effective and sustained inhibition of gastric acid production.

”This is strategically a very important patent for Orexo. The commercial potential, market size, OX 17’s unique profile combined with the strength in a broad patent, is of great value for us during negotiations with potential development and commercialization partners. Our ambition is to out-license OX 17 during 2007”, says Zsolt Lavotha, President and CEO Orexo AB.

The clinical Phase III program for OX 17 is ongoing. Patents are previously approved in China, Australia and New Zealand, and patent is pending in the North-American market.


For more information, please contact:
Zsolt Lavotha, President & CEO, Tel: +46 (0)18-780 88 12, e-mail: zsolt.lavotha@orexo.se

Claes Wenthzel, Executive Vice President and CFO, Orexo AB
+46 (0)18 780 88 44, +46 (0)708-62 01 22, e-mail: claes.wenthzel@orexo.se