Biovitrum Extends ReFacto® Supply Agreement with Wyeth until December
31, 2015
STOCKHOLM, Sweden and MADISON, New Jersey, USA - November 12, 2008.
Biovitrum AB (publ) (STO:BVT) and Wyeth (NYSE:WYE) today announced an
extension of the ReFacto® supply agreement until December 31, 2015.
Biovitrum will continue to be the sole producer of drug substance for
Wyeth for ReFacto®, as well as Xyntha®/ReFacto® AF, the successor
products, and will continue to receive royalties from Wyeth's global
sales. Biovitrum's co-promotion rights in the Nordic region remain
unchanged."We are very pleased to be able to announce the prolongation of our
long and successful collaboration with Wyeth. The agreement enables
us to together provide the new improved Xyntha® and ReFacto® AF
internationally, and to improve the lives of hemophilia patients."
commented Martin Nicklasson, CEO of Biovitrum. "The agreement
validates our biotechnology therapeutic production capabilities and
expertise," Nicklasson added.
About ReFacto®, Xyntha® and ReFacto® AF
ReFacto®, Xyntha® and ReFacto® AF are recombinant protein drugs for
hemophilia A. In this form of bleeding disorder, the blood's ability
to coagulate is compromised due to a deficiency of coagulation factor
VIII in the blood. Uncontrolled internal bleeding may produce pain
and swelling as well as permanent damage, especially in joints.
Injections of factor VIII and health care allow most persons with
hemophilia A to live a normal life.
Market growth for recombinant protein-based drugs to treat hemophilia
A is primarily governed by the transition from plasma-based products
and an increased acceptance of prophylactic treatment. The market for
recombinant factor VIII used in the treatment of hemophilia A in the
Nordic regions reached about EUR 80 million in 2007, of which ReFacto
accounted for a market share of about 30 percent. Biovitrum's total
revenues from the ReFacto business amounted to SEK 915 in 2007.
ReFacto® AF, approved in the US and Canada under the registered trade
mark Xyntha®, is manufactured by Biovitrum using next generation
purification processes designed to reduce the risk of viral
contamination, a production process completely devoid of human or
animal components.
About Biovitrum
Biovitrum is a pharmaceutical company with operations in Sweden and
in the UK. The company markets a range of specialist pharmaceuticals
primarily in the Nordic countries. Using its expertise and experience
Biovitrum takes scientific innovation all the way to the market and
to specialist indication patients with significant medical need.
Research expertise and capabilities include development and
production of biotechnology therapeutics, as well as small molecule
discovery and development. With revenues of approximately SEK 1.3
billion and around 500 employees, Biovitrum is a significant European
specialty pharmaceutical player. Biovitrum's share is listed on the
OMX Nordic Exchange in Stockholm. For more information go to
www.biovitrum.com
For more information please contact:
Biovitrum
Martin Nicklasson, CEO
Phone: +46 8 697 2545
Göran Arvidson, CFO
Cell phone: +46 70 633 30 42
Erik Kinnman, VP Investor Relations
Cell phone: +46 73 422 15 40
erik.kinnman@biovitrum.com
Wyeth
Doug Petkus, Wyeth Corporate Media
Phone: +1 973 660 5218
Danielle Halstrom, Wyeth Corporate Affairs
Phone: +1 484 865 2020