| Wed 23 Jul 2008, 9:00 | | APN - Aspen - Aspen businesses in licensing deal with GSK |
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APN
APN
APN - Aspen - Aspen businesses in licensing deal with GSK
Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Limited
(Incorporated in the Republic of South Africa)
(Registration Number 1985/002935/06)
(Share code APN & ISIN: ZAE000066692)
("Aspen")
ASPEN BUSINESSES IN LICENSING DEAL WITH GSK
Johannesburg - JSE listed Aspen Pharmacare Holdings Limited (Apn) has announced
today that it has entered into licensing and supply agreements with leading
multinational pharmaceutical corporation, GlaxoSmithKline ("GSK"). In terms of
the agreements Aspen will license intellectual property and supply finished
dosage form pharmaceuticals to GSK through Aspen Group companies including Onco
Therapies Limited ("OTL"), Aspen`s 50% owned joint venture with Strides Arcolab
Limited ("Strides") of India.
The licensing and supply agreements are for emerging market territories
excluding Sub-Saharan Africa and India. Aspen and OTL will recover intellectual
property development costs from GSK in addition to sharing profits with GSK from
the commercialization of the products.
Stephen Saad, Aspen Group Chef Executive said "We see this as a great
opportunity to extend the worldwide reach of the Aspen business benefiting from
GSK`s excellent strength in branding and marketing. GSK will achieve effective
distribution for products in many countries which Aspen is presently unable to
reach. This deal further endorses the quality of Aspen`s development of
intellectual property and its manufacturing capabilities. The inclusion of the
OTL joint venture adds an additional dimension to the products we have been able
to offer to GSK and I would like to commend the significant contribution from
Strides in this regard."
The first of the products commercialised under this arrangement is expected to
be launched in 2010.
Aspen Overview
South African-based JSE-listed Aspen is Africa`s largest pharmaceutical
manufacturer and a major supplier of branded and generic pharmaceutical,
healthcare and nutritional products to southern Africa and selected
international markets.
Aspen has businesses in, inter alia, South Africa, Australasia, India, East
Africa, and also exports to many other territories across the globe. Aspen`s 50%
shareholding in Strides Latina provides for a Latin American presence in Brazil,
Mexico and Venezuela.
In June 2008 Aspen acquired four core branded GlaxoSmithkline products namely
Eltroxin, Imuran, Lanoxin and Zyloric. This deal provides Aspen with access into
more than 100 countries globally.
Aspen is acknowledged as the largest generics manufacturer in the southern
hemisphere and it is also the leading supplier of generic medicines to both the
private and the public sectors in South Africa. Aspen is one of the top twenty
generic manufacturers worldwide and South Africa`s number one generic brand.
Aspen is also a leading global player in generic anti-retrovirals.
Aspen produces more than six billion tablets and capsules per annum and it also
manufactures liquids, creams and others products. Aspen`s extensive basket of
branded, generic, over-the-counter, FMCG, personal care and nutritional products
is renowned for its quality, efficacy and affordability.
Aspen`s substantial and ongoing investment in its manufacturing facilities has
positioned the Group optimally to manufacture and supply a vast range of
products across a number of continents.
Issued by: Shauneen Beukes, Shauneen Beukes Communications
Tel: +27-12-661-8467
Cell:+27-82-389-8900
On Behalf Of: Stephen Saad, Aspen Holdings Group Chief Executive
Tel: +27-31- 580-8602
Cell: +27-83-303-4833
Gus Attridge, Aspen Holdings Deputy Group Chief
Executive
Tel: +27-31- 580-8604
Cell: +27-83-628-8813
Johannesburg
22 July 2008
Sponsor:
Investec Bank
Date: 23/07/2008 09:00:01 Produced by the JSE SENS Department.
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