Ad-hoc | 3 May 2001 08:07

Ad hoc-Service: Rhein Biotech N.V. english

Ad hoc announcement processed and transmitted by DGAP. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. ——————————————————————————– Rhein Biotech and Chiron Vaccines initiate collaboration to develop, manufacture and market new combination vaccines – Combined vaccines against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B and haemophilus influenzae b – Potential in excess of 300 million doses worldwide per annum – Recommended by major supranational organizations Maastricht / May 3rd 2001 – Rhein Biotech N.V., a world leader in hepatitis B recombinant vaccines announces a collaboration agreement with Chiron Vaccines for the development of combination vaccines against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B and haemophilus influenzae b (DTP+HB+Hib). Key elements of the agreement Chiron Vaccines and Rhein Biotech will pool their expertise and technologies in a broad co-development project. Under the agreement Chiron will produce and deliver via its units in Sienna/Italy and Marburg/Germany the DTP and Hib components. The hepatitis B component, produced using the Hansenula polymorpha technology will be supplied by Rhein Biotech through its subsidiary GreenCross Vaccine Corporation. The new combination vaccines will be developed and manufactured in Korea at GreenCross Vaccine Corporation. Rhein Biotech will market and sell to the supranational organisations and Chiron will market and sell in the private markets and national public markets. Further details of the deal are not disclosed. Product characteristics Supranational organisations have recommended the introduction of hepatitis B and haemophilus influenzae b antigens through combined vaccines. The market is estimated to have a potential of over 300 million doses per annum. The new vaccines developed jointly by Rhein Biotech and Chiron will be aimed at global markets and will also fulfil all the requirements of mass vaccination programs. Combination vaccines have many advantages over monovalent vaccines: three shots instead of nine shots, leading to substantial reductions in overall costs and above all reduction of HIV and hepatitis C transmission risks. end of ad hoc announcement (c) DGAP 03.05.2001 Issuer’s information/explanation remarks concerning this ad hoc announcement: Explanatory Information Dr. Christian Loucq, Business Director Vaccines at the Rhein Biotech Group: “In this collaboration Rhein Biotech and Chiron bring together their experience and expertise in the development of innovative cost effective combined vaccines. Joint development of combination vaccines will ease mass vaccination programs and further highlight the commitment of the two companies to protecting people in developing countries. This will strengthen the Rhein Biotech Group ‘s position as a leading hepatitis B producer worldwide.” Background information on the companies The Rhein Biotech Group is a global biotechnology group, which develops, produces and markets vaccines and therapeutic compounds based on its platform technologies. With the acquisition and successful integration of the Korean vaccine manufacturer, GreenCross Vaccine Corporation in April 2000, the Rhein Biotech Group has become the third largest manufacturer of hepatitis B vaccine. The group has been a leading force in bringing new recombinant vaccines at affordable cost to international markets and developing countries. Chiron Corporation is a leading biotechnology company playing a major role in three global healthcare markets: biopharmaceuticals, blood testing and vaccines. Chiron Corporation applies a broad and integrated scientific approach to the development of innovative products to prevent and treat cancer and infectious diseases. This is supported by very strong research in recombinant proteins, genomics, small molecules, and vaccines. For further information please contact: Valerie Ward, Investor Relations Rhein Biotech N.V., Maastricht (NL) T:+31 (0)43/3567898 F:+31(0)43/3 56 78 99 e: investor@rheinbiotech.com Stephanie Krone Vom Hoff Kommunikation GmbH, Düsseldorf T:+49 (0)211/515 805 16 F:+49 (0)211/515 805 55 e: s.krone@vomhoff.de ——————————————————————————– WKN: 919544; Index: Listed: Neuer Markt in Frankfurt; Freiverkehr in Berlin, Bremen, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, München, Stuttgart, Hannover 030807 Mai 01