STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Sept. 3, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- Gambro AB (Stockholm:GAMBaST) (Stockholm:GAMBbST), a leading international medical technology and healthcare company, today announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Gambro BCT, Inc., has established a separate U.S. based company named Gambro Pathogen Reduction Technology, Inc. (PETCo). The goal of this action is to realize the full potential of the pathogen reduction technology, developed by Gambro BCT.
PETCo's objective is to be the global market leader in the pathogen reduction of platelets, red blood cells and plasma through its break- through technology. The technology could also have significant applications in adjacent fields like cell therapies and the plasma fractionation industry. The incorporation of PETCo will facilitate seeking strategic partnerships and will allow for external funding to capture the full potential of the technology platform.
"Gambro BCT will be PETCo's lead sales, marketing, and distribution partner for key geographic markets and blood components closely connected with its core blood banking business," said Gambro BCT President, David Perez. "Gambro BCT is committed to increasing the safety of the world's blood supply by working with PETCo as a key strategic partner to bring this technology to the market."
Facts on Gambro BCT's Pathogen Reduction Technology
Gambro BCT's unique Pathogen Reduction Technology uses light and riboflavin, to alter the nucleic acids of pathogens, rendering them inactive. Gambro BCT's technology is the first that can inactivate pathogens in all three major blood components: red blood cells, platelets and plasma. Non-toxic and non-mutagenic, riboflavin is ingested in normal diets. In fact, riboflavin is considered essential for human health. The technology offers key benefits as safety - as it's a natural process; simplicity - since no removal of residual compounds is required; and cost effectiveness - because of its inherently simple process.
For further information please contact:
David Perez, CEO, PETCo, and President, Gambro BCT, tel. +1 303 232 68 00, Janette Jennische, Vice President, Corporate Communications, tel. +46-8-613 65 99, +46-70-212 50 53 Pia Irell, Investor Relations Director, Corporate Finance, tel. +46-8-613 65 91, +46-70-513 65 91
Gambro is a global medical technology and healthcare company with leading positions in renal care - services and products - and blood component technology. Gambro Healthcare is one of the leading providers of kidney dialysis services in the world with more than 52,200 patients in 680 clinics worldwide. Gambro Renal Products comprises dialyzers, dialysis machines, blood lines and dialysis concentrates. Gambro BCT is the market leader in separation and handling of blood components. The group, with 2001 revenues of approximately SEK 27 billion (USD 2.7 billion), has 20,600 employees in some 40 countries.
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