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Scigen Ltd Signs An Exclusive Worldwide Supply Agreement For GCSF & EPO |
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03 May 2006 |
SINGAPORE , Singapore and SYDNEY, Australia | May 02, 2006 – Singapore Biopharmaceutical company SciGen Ltd (ASX:SIE) announces the signing of an exclusive worldwide agreement with ACL Biopharm Ltd for bulk supply of GCSF (granulocyte colony stimulating factor)and EPO (erythropoietin).
Synthetic human GCSF is used to prevent and treat the decrease in level of blood neutrophils (white blood cells involved in fighting infection) caused by chemotherapy.
The world market for GCSF products is estimated to be USD$4 billion. EPO is a kidney hormone used clinically in the treatment anemia caused by chronic renal failure, cancer chemotherapy and bone marrow transplantation, and to aid those with rheumatoid arthritis. The world market for EPO is estimated to be USD$10 billion.
The bulk GCSF and EPO will be manufactured by Intas of Ahmedabad, India . SciGen will formulate and package the products in its facility or through a contract manufacturing organization.
As part of the agreement, SciGen is required to pay milestone payments as health registration is secured in major markets from data supplied by Intas. The agreement calls for an option to secure the rights to manufacture the active biopharmaceutical substances through a transfer of technology. Financial terms of the technology transfer are to be mutually agreed. The agreement is for 15 years with an option to renew.
Further information:
About GCSF
Recombinant human granulocyte colony stimulating factor (rHu GCSF), also called figrastim, is a 175 amino acid protein manufactured by recombinant DNA technology in the bacteria E.coli . GCSF stimulates the survival, proliferation, differentiation and function of neutrophil granulocyte progenitor cells and mature neutrophils.
About EPO
Erythropoietin (EPO ) is a glycoprotein hormone that is a growth factor for precursors of red blood cells in the bone marrow. It is produced by the kidney and regulates red blood cell production. EPO contains 165 amino acids with a carbohydrate moiety. The protein is manufactured by recombinant DNA technology using Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell line. The rHu EPO is identical to natural human EPO with regard to amino acid sequence and extent of glycosylation.
About ACL Biopharm Ltd
ACL Biopharm Ltd is the worldwide commercial entity of CytoLab Ltd, based in Rehovot Israel . CytoLab is a research & development biotechnology company dedicated to providing life science research with quality cytokine products. CytoLab has been successful in developing an extensive line of recombinant cytokines, growth factors, chemokines and neurotrophins as well as a complementary line of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. In close and exclusive collaboration with PeproTech of Princeton, USA, the two companies have over 300 products marketed worldwide for the research market characterized by high purity and specificity.
About SciGen
SciGen Ltd is a biopharmaceutical company involved in commercializing later stage research. It co-develops and markets biopharmaceutical products for human healthcare. SciGen focuses in the areas of gastroenterology, endocrinology and immunology. Its product portfolio includes vaccines and therapeutics.
SciGen acquires rights to manufacture, distribute and market biopharmaceutical products under exclusive licensing arrangements. SciGen's portfolio currently includes proprietary biotechnology-derived products, and biogeneric products, which allow for faster entry into the market, as biogeneric products have undergone much of the clinical development and trials required to bring drugs to market. This minimizes the risks associated with early stage product development. SciGen currently undertakes R&D activities in collaboration with strategic partners and institutions.
SciGen's competitive advantage is in identifying research with commercial potential at an early stage to which it adds its expertise in gaining regulatory approval and bringing products to market.
SciGen is a Singaporean biotechnology company, established in 1988 and listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX code SIE). SciGen is headquartered in Singapore , with offices in Australia , USA , Korea , Vietnam , Hong Kong, and Philippines and partners in India , China , Indonesia , Israel , Poland , Austria and the Netherlands .
Further information:
Investor Relations and Media Company
Rebecca Wilson
Buchan Consulting
(02) 9237 2800 / 0417 382 391
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Saul Mashaal
Executive Vice Chairman, Founder & CEO
SciGen Ltd.
+ 61 2 9234 1700
+65 9630 5691 (Mobile)
SOURCE: SciGen, Ltd |
