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APN - Aspen - Servier And Aspen Sign Technology Transfer Mou

Release Date: 30/01/2009 13:09
Code(s): APN
Wrap Text

APN - Aspen - Servier And Aspen Sign Technology Transfer Mou ASPEN PHARMACARE HOLDINGS LIMITED (Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa) Registration number 1985/0002935/06 Share code: APN ISIN: ZAE000066692 ("Aspen" or "the Company") SERVIER AND ASPEN SIGN TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER MOU JOHANNESBURG: Servier, a leading French, research-based pharmaceutical company and Aspen Pharmacare (Aspen), the largest generics pharmaceutical manufacturer in the southern hemisphere, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the manufacture of Perindopril. Perindopril is primarily used for the treatment of hypertension and heart failure. In terms of this MOU, Aspen will acquire the license to manufacture three Perindopril brands, CoversylRegistered (registered by Servier), PrexumRegistered (marketed and distributed by Biogaran) and VectorylRegistered (marketed and distributed by Aspen). In terms of a technology transfer arrangement, scientific know-how will be transferred to Aspen, preceding intended commencement of manufacture at Aspen`s South African-based facilities. This ground-breaking agreement is intended to secure the sustainable, effective, affordable and high- quality supply of this widely prescribed treatment into the South African market. Hypertension, previously diagnosed largely within the westernised population segments, has become increasingly prevalent across all demographic groups. Perindopril offers significant support in reducing mortality and in preventing the onset of further cardiac and cerebral events in patients with hypertension, diabetes, coronary artery disease and strokes. Steve Speller, Executive Director of Servier South Africa, said, "the deal with Aspen was inspired by the commitment that the South African medical fraternity continues to display, often under trying circumstances, in both the public and private sectors. Servier wanted to mirror this commitment both to healthcare professionals and patients alike, by enabling the development of local manufacturing technology capacities for Coversyl, Prexum and Vectoryl. This complements Servier`s already substantial commitment in local research and development." "Not only are the medical benefits of Coversyl, Prexum and Vectoryl obvious for the wellbeing of the patient, but of equal significance, is that the agreement creates opportunities for the development and optimization of local pharmaceutical skills. It also signifies Servier`s confidence in Aspen, South Africa`s largest pharmaceutical manufacturer", said Speller. Aspen Group CEO Stephen Saad, said, "the intention to enter into an arrangement of this nature, where a leading multinational entrusts Aspen with the manufacture of its one of its leading products, speaks volumes for both the scientific and manufacturing capabilities of Aspen and South Africa. This arrangement is consistent with South Africa`s strategy of promoting local pharmaceutical manufacturing in order to provide greater access to high-quality, affordable medicines", said Saad. Issued by: Shauneen Beukes, Shauneen Beukes Communications Tel: +2712 661-8467, Cell: +2782 389 8900; and Roshni Gajjar, Aspen Investor Relations Tel: +2731 580-8649, Cell: +2782 789 1826 On Behalf Of: Stavros Nicolau, Aspen Senior Executive Tel: +2711 239- 6734, Cell: +2782 458 3135 Steve Speller, Executive Director Servier South Africa Tel: +2711 233-6000, Cell: +2782 448 8016 30 January 2009 Sponsor: Investec Bank Limited Date: 30/01/2009 13:09:01 Supplied by www.sharenet.co.za Produced by the JSE SENS Department. The SENS service is an information dissemination service administered by the JSE Limited (`JSE`). The JSE does not, whether expressly, tacitly or implicitly, represent, warrant or in any way guarantee the truth, accuracy or completeness of the information published on SENS. The JSE, their officers, employees and agents accept no liability for (or in respect of) any direct, indirect, incidental or consequential loss or damage of any kind or nature, howsoever arising, from the use of SENS or the use of, or reliance on, information disseminated through SENS.

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