| Thu 5 Feb 2004, 12:07 | | News release |
|
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
