Lund (Sweden) and Paris (France), 26 April 2016
Ipsen and Probi today jointly announce the signature of a license and supply
agreement for the commercialization of Probi’s probiotic strain Lactobacillus
plantarum 299v (LP299V®). The agreement covers 18 countries, primarily within EU
and emerging markets. This clinically-documented probiotic with patents in the
gastro-intestinal field is expected to complement Ipsen’s strong medical
portfolio in gastroenterology. From Probi’s perspective it could become one of
the the largest distribution agreements so far and is of high strategic
importance for both companies.
Under this new agreement, Probi will supply bulk LP299V® capsules and Ipsen will
be responsible for packaging, marketing and selling the product. The product is
planned to be marketed primarily through pharmacies. It is expected to be
launched in the first half of 2017 as a food supplement in the European markets,
and then, in other key markets such as Russia and China, depending on regulatory
approval. The agreement covers in total 18 markets, many with high growth
potential, with an option to include additional countries. The product will be
marketed under Ipsen’s key brand and Probi’s trademark LP299V®.
Marc de Garidel, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ipsen stated: “Ipsen is
delighted to enter the field of probiotics with a very well-recognized and R&D
focused company such as Probi. This partnership is fully aligned with our
strategy to strengthen our portfolio in the field of gastroenterology and expand
into probiotics.” Jean Fabre, Executive Vice President Primary Care added: “This
agreement will help sustain Ipsen’s Primary Care growth and accelerate
transition to the OTx[1] model. The product has strong medical endorsement that
will perfectly fit with our expertise and leverage our capabilities towards
physicians and pharmacists in many countries.”
Commenting on this partnership, Peter Nählstedt, Chief Executive Officer of
Probi noted: “We have found a perfect match with Ipsen – a very well respected
pharmaceutical company with high growth ambitions and strong brands in the
gastrointestinal field. Through its extensive organization we expect to enter
many new markets with LP299V®, which will strengthen Probi´s footprint on the
global market.. We have high expectations and consider the agreement to have a
high volume potential.”
The information is such that Probi AB must disclose in accordance with the
Swedish Securities Market Act and/or the Financial Instruments Trading Act.
[1] OTx: Dual channel approach (Rx/OTC)
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Peter Nählstedt, CEO, Probi, tel +46 46 286 89 23 or mobile +46 723 86 99 83, e
-mail: peter.nahlstedt@probi.se
(peter.nahlstedt@probi.se)Niklas Bjärum, VP Marketing & Sales, Probi, tel +46
46 286 89 67 or mobile +46 705 38 88 64, e-mail: niklas.bjarum@probi.se
(niklas.bjarum@probi.se)Didier Véron, Senior Vice-Président, Public Affairs and
Communication, Ipsen, tel +33 1 58 33 51 16, e-mail: didier.veron@ipsen.com
(didier.veron@ipsen.com)Brigitte Le Guennec, Corporate External Communication,
Ipsen, tel +33 1 58 33 51 17, e-mail: brigitte.le.guennec@ipsen.com
(brigitte.le.guennec@ipsen.com)Stéphane Durant des Aulnois, Vice-Président
Investor Relations, Ipsen, tel +33 1 58 33 60 09, e-mail:
stephane.durant.des.aulnois@ipsen.com
ABOUT LP299V®
Probi’s dietary supplement contains Lactobacillus plantarum 299v, also called
LP299V®, a single species of Lactobacillus that was found by Swedish researchers
Probi’s dietary supplement has strong clinical evidences for reduction of signs
and symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in adults.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that affects the large
intestine. Patients commonly present with abdominal pain, cramps, bloating,
diarrhea and/or constipation. These uncomfortable signs and symptoms do not
cause permanent damage to the colon but can be very incapacitating for the daily
life.
ABOUT PROBI
Probi AB is a Swedish publicly traded bioengineering company that develops
effective and well-documented probiotics. Through its world-leading research,
Probi has created a strong product portfolio in the gastrointestinal health and
immune system niches. Probi’s products are available to consumers in more than
30 countries worldwide. Probi’s customers are leading food, health-product and
pharmaceutical companies in the Functional Food and Consumer Healthcare
segments. Probi had sales of MSEK 216 in 2015. The Probi share is listed on
NASDAQ OMX Stockholm, Small Cap. Probi has about 3,500 shareholders. Read more
at www.probi.se.
ABOUT IPSEN
Ipsen is a global specialty-driven biotechnological group with total sales
exceeding €1.4 billion in 2015. Ipsen sells more than 20 drugs in more than 115
countries, with a direct commercial presence in more than 30 countries. Ipsen’s
ambition is to become a leader in specialty healthcare solutions for targeted
debilitating diseases. Its fields of expertise cover oncology, neurosciences and
endocrinology (adult & pediatric). Ipsen’s commitment to oncology is exemplified
through its growing portfolio of key therapies improving the care of patients
suffering from prostate cancer, bladder cancer and neuro-endocrine tumors. Ipsen
also has a significant presence in primary care. Moreover, the Group has an
active policy of partnerships. Ipsen’s R&D is focused on its innovative and
differentiated technological platforms, peptides and toxins, located in the
heart of the leading biotechnological and life sciences hubs (Les Ulis/Paris
-Saclay, France; Slough/Oxford, UK; Cambridge, US). In 2015, R&D expenditure
totaled close to €193 million. The Group has more than 4,600 employees
worldwide. Ipsen’s shares are traded on segment A of Euronext Paris (stock code:
IPN, ISIN code: FR0010259150) and eligible to the “Service de Règlement Différé”
(“SRD”). The Group is part of the SBF 120 index. Ipsen has implemented a
Sponsored Level I American Depositary Receipt (ADR) program, which trade on the
over-the-counter market in the United States under the symbol IPSEY. For more
information on Ipsen, visit www.ipsen.com.
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