Aura Renew Acq Regulatory News (ARA)

16 Jun 2005 07:01

Ardana PLC16 June 2005 ARDANA SIGNS AGREEMENT WITH CYTOCHEMIA TO MARKET STRIANT(TM) SR IN GERMANY Edinburgh, UK, 16 June 2005; Ardana plc (LSE:ARA) the emerging pharmaceuticalcompany focused on improving human reproductive health, today announces that ithas signed an agreement under which Ardana grants Cytochemia AG exclusive rightsto market Striant(TM) SR in Germany. Striant(TM) SR is a mucoadhesive buccal (gum surface) testosterone replacementtherapy for primary and secondary male hypogonadism (i.e. those suffering from adeficiency or absence of testosterone). Striant(TM) SR is the first-to-marketbuccal adhesive tablet and is marketed by Ardana's own sales force in the UK, tourologists and endocrinologists. Cytochemia has considerable experience inGermany selling to the same specialists through their targeted sales force whichhas a strong track record in the education of physicians on product usage.Cytochemia has a strong complementary portfolio to Ardana and its productImmuCyst, which has been on the market for 13 years, is an established agent forthe treatment and prevention of superficial bladder cancer. Striant(TM) SRpresents an excellent strategic fit with Cytochemia's product portfolio and willbe an important addition. Cytochemia expects to launch Striant(TM) SR in the German market later this year.Financial terms were not disclosed but Ardana will receive an upfront paymentand ongoing revenues for the supply of Striant(TM)SR to Cytochemia. Dr. Maureen Lindsay, Chief Executive of Ardana, said: "As the biggest and mostdeveloped market in Europe for testosterone replacement, Germany is key forStriant(TM) SR. In partnering with Cytochemia we believe that the product is inthe best hands to ensure a successful introduction there. Striant's novel andefficient delivery of testosterone has received high levels of acceptance fromboth patients and prescribers." For more information contact:Ardana Financial DynamicsMaureen Lindsay (corporate/financial media relations)Tel: + 44 (0) 131 226 8550 Julia Phillips/Davina Langdale Tel: +44 (0)20 7831 3113 NB Public Relations (trade/technical media relations) Nicki Brimicombe Tel: + 44 (0)1883 732353 About ArdanaArdana plc is a pharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development andmarketing of innovative products to improve human reproductive health, a $23.8billion market. Since its foundation, Ardana has maintained a broad andbalanced portfolio to manage risk and actively pursues product and technologyin-licensing and out-licensing to maintain a robust pipeline. Ardana's four lead products are summarised below: • Striant(TM) SR, a testosterone replacement therapy that has already been launched by Ardana through its own sales force in the UK as a treatment for men with hypogonadism and for which Ardana has marketing rights in Europe; • Teverelix LA, in development for three initial indications (prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia and endometriosis); • Testo Bi-gel, a trans dermal testosterone delivery system in development for the treatment of male hypogonadism, shortly to enter Phase II trials; • Invicorp, an injectable combination drug treatment for erectile dysfunction, for which Ardana has marketing and manufacturing rights in Europe. In addition, Ardana has a strong portfolio of follow-on products in development. Ardana completed its IPO on the London Stock Exchange in March 2005 raising £21million. For further information please see www.ardana.co.uk CytochemiaCytochemia is an independent pharmaceutical company based in Germanyspecializing in immuno-therapeutics from either their own product development orexclusive licence agreements. The target group for Cytochemia's therapeuticsconsists of gynaecologists, oncologists and urologists. The company is primarilyactive in the German market but in 2000 the company founded another branch ofthe business in Switzerland. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange