| Fri 30 Jan 2009, 13:09 | | APN - Aspen - Servier And Aspen Sign Technology Transfer Mou |
|
APN
APN
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 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.
