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Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Limited - News release

Release Date: 05/02/2004 12:00
Code(s): APN
Wrap Text

Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Limited - News release Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Limited (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) (Reg. No 1955/002935/06) Share Code: ASP ISIN: ZAE000023586 ("Aspen") News release 05 February 2004 PHARMACEUTICAL GIANTS FORM PARTNERSHIP TO TREAT DEADLY TB STRAIN Lilly formalizes agreement with Aspen Pharmacare to transfer its technology for the manufacture of antibiotics necessary to treat multi-drug resistant tuberculosis Cape Town: Eli Lilly today announced a partnership with Aspen Pharmacare, Africa"s largest pharmaceutical manufacturer and the largest listed pharmaceutical company in South Africa. This partnership will include the transfer of Lilly"s global technology that will enable Aspen to manufacture the essential antibiotics (capreomycin and cycloserine) needed to treat patients with multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). Stephen Saad, Aspen Pharmacare"s Group CEO said "Aspen has remained committed to playing a meaningful role in combating infectious diseases such as TB, HIV/Aids and malaria. This agreement strengthens the company"s position in the fight against TB. Aspen"s commitment to the struggle against HIV/AIDS is well documented and our affordable generic antiretroviral (ARV) alternatives have been recognized both nationally and internationally by inter alia the Clinton Foundation". This is a very important partnership which will create global awareness of South Africa, as the antibiotics manufactured here will be used in all areas of the world where MDR-TB is most rife. "Though little known, MDR-TB represents one of the most severe threats to public health today. Without proper treatment and surveillance now, MDR-TB can easily become a global health emergency in years to come". David Heymann, M.D., executive director of communicable diseases at the World Health Organisation (WHO) MDR-TB is a strain of tuberculosis that often develops in patients who do not comply with the prescribed treatment for TB. Once a strain of MDR-TB develops, it can spread to others just as "normal" TB. MDR-TB is most likely to occur among patients in developing nations where trained medical personnel and drug supplies are limited. Each year, roughly 300 000 new cases of MDR-TB occur in more than 100 countries. The WHO estimates that an average MDR-TB patient infects up to 20 other people in their lifetime. "Today"s announcement marks an important milestone in Lilly"s effort to increase the supply of drugs available to treat the expanding global crisis of MDR-TB," said Dr. Gail Cassell, Vice President, Scientific Affairs and Distinguished Affairs. "Aspen Pharmacare has a successful track-record coupled with a strong regional presence that creates an ideal partnership for this important initiative." "While others have downsized production in Africa, Aspen has increased and enhanced its Port Elizabeth-based manufacturing capabilities. Construction of an Oral Solid Dosage (OSD) facility valued at more than R150 million is almost complete with production expected to commence during the second half of the year. Our commitment to local manufacture is based on our solid heritage of manufacturing medicines of unquestionable quality, efficacy and affordability for more than 150 years. Having also pioneered generic medicines in Africa, we are suitably prepared for the future demands for generic medicines and ARVs," said Saad. Cassell noted that as a part of the agreement, Lilly would assist Aspen in the conversion of its existing manufacturing operations to support the manufacturing of cycloserine. Lilly will also provide technical expertise and training necessary to complete the technology transfer and ensure the long-term success of the manufacturing partnership. "Today"s announcement is a continuation of both companies" efforts to collaborate where and when necessary to address the healthcare challenges that continue to face us. This is a further confirmation of Lilly"s commitment to be in Africa for Africa" Said Christopher Whitfield, CEO of Lilly South Africa Ends Issued by: Shauneen Beukes, Shauneen Beukes Communications Tel & Fax: (012) 661-8467 Cell: 082 389 8900 On Behalf Of: Stephen Saad, Aspen Pharmacare Group Chief Executive Tel: (031) 268 9506 Fax: (031) 208-0170 Cell: 083 303 4833
About Aspen Pharmacare: Aspen is a major supplier of branded pharmaceutical and healthcare products to the local and selected international markets with offices in South Africa, the United Kingdom and Australia. Aspen has been producing and marketing products that cover the ethical, generic, OTC, nutriceutical and personal care sectors of the industry for decades. Aspen has retained its position for a number of years as the leading supplier of generic medicines to the public sector, providing comprehensive coverage of the products on the Essential Drug List. The group launched Aspen Stavudine, Africa"s first generic ARV in August 2003. For more information about Aspen, go to www.aspenpharma.com. About Lilly: Lilly, a leading innovation-driven corporation, is developing a growing portfolio of first-in-class and best-in-class pharmaceutical products by applying the latest research from its own worldwide laboratories and from collaborations with eminent scientific organizations. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind., Lilly provides answers - through medicines and information - for some of the world"s most urgent medical needs. Additional information about Lilly is available at www.lilly.com. As part of this pioneering effort, Lilly has announced that it will: * Transfer its technology to manufacture two antibiotics necessary for treatment of MDR-TB to nations where the disease is most prevalent; * Establish a Center of Excellence for the training of medical personnel in the treatment of MDR-TB to help prevent further spread of the disease; * Lead an effort to establish a comprehensive surveillance program to monitor the development of resistance against the antibiotics used to treat MDR-TB;and * Invest in facilities improvements that will enable the company to initiate production of both of these essential drugs used to treat MDR-TB. Date: 05/02/2004 12:00:08 PM Supplied by www.sharenet.co.za Produced by the JSE SENS Department

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