Swedish Orphan Biovitrum extends Cyanokit® cooperation with Merck Serono
Stockholm, Sweden - April 1, 2010 - Swedish Orphan Biovitrum (STO: BVT) has expanded its agreement with Merck Serono, a division of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, for the distribution of Cyanokit(®) (hydroxocobalamin). Under the agreement the distribution territories will include Ireland, UK and The Netherlands in addition to the existing territories the Nordic and the Baltic countries. "We are very pleased with the expanded and continued partnership with Merck Serono and the opportunity to make the Cyanokit(®) antidote available in additional countries. The new agreement is yet an acknowledgement of our industry position and partnership network in the niche specialist and orphan drug area in Europe," said Martin Nicklasson, CEO of Swedish Orphan Biovitrum Group. About Cyanokit(®) Cyanokit(®) is a pharmaceutical antidote indicated for the treatment of known or suspected cyanide poisoning. Cyanide poisoning may result from exposure to smoke from closed space fires, inhalation, ingestion, or dermal exposure. Administered intravenously, Cyanokit(®) may be used on the scene of an emergency situation or at the hospital, where quick response is critical. Cyanokit(®) is kept in ambulances and emergency rooms at hospitals, and may be stock piled by governments to be used in case of industrial accidents or a terrorist attack involving cyanide. The active ingredient in Cyanokit(®), hydroxocobalamin, is a form of vitamin B12. Hydroxocobalamin works by binding directly to the cyanide ions, creating cyanocobalamin, a variant of vitamin B12, which is excreted in the urine. Advantages of this approach are that methemoglobin is not produced and the oxygen-carrying capacity of the victim's blood is not lowered. Further information about Cyanokit(®) can be found at: http://www.ema.europa.eu/humandocs/PDFs/EPAR/cyanokit/H-806-PI-en.pdf Healthcare professionals should refer to national labeling texts, and not the information above. About Swedish Orphan Biovitrum On January 14, 2010, Biovitrum AB (publ) completed the acquisition of Swedish Orphan International Holding AB and created Swedish Orphan Biovitrum - a leading company focused on treatment of rare diseases. Swedish Orphan Biovitrum is a Swedish based specialty pharmaceutical company with an international market presence. The company is focused on providing and developing orphan and niche specialist pharmaceuticals to patients with high medical needs. The portfolio consists of about 60 marketed products and an emerging late stage clinical development pipeline within rare diseases. Swedish Orphan Biovitrum has pro-forma revenues 2009e of about 2 BSEK and approximately 500 employees. The head office is located in Sweden and the share (STO: BVT) is listed on NASDAQ OMX Stockholm. For more information please visit www.biovitrum.com <http://www.biovitrum.com/>. For more information please contact: Swedish Orphan Biovitrum: Kennet Rooth, EVP Marketing & Sales Phone +46 8 412 98 43 Kennet.Rooth@swedishorphan.com <mailto:Kennet.Rooth@swedishorphan.com> Erik Kinnman, EVP Investor Relations Phone: +46 73 422 15 40 Erik.Kinnman@biovitrum.com <mailto:Erik.Kinnman@biovitrum.com> Martin Nicklasson, CEO Phone: +46 8 697 20 00 Swedish Orphan Biovitrum may be required to disclose the information provided herein pursuant to the Swedish Securities Markets Act. The information was provided for public release on April 1, 2010 at 8:30 a.m. CET.