LEIDEN, Netherlands, June 30, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- Pharming Group N.V. ("Pharming" or "the Company") (Euronext:PHARM) (PHAR.AS) announced today a partnership with AgResearch Limited ("AgResearch") on the production of recombinant human lactoferrin ("rhLF"). In addition, Pharming has granted AgResearch a research license to its proprietary protein production technology.
Pharming and AgResearch have partnered on the manufacturing of recombinant human lactoferrin. AgResearch will be responsible for the production of rhLF and will provide access to its purification as well as research capabilities for product development. AgResearch shall bear costs associated with the initial production of rhLF and support the commercialization of rhLF through its extensive network in the South Pacific and Asia.
"The alliance with AgResearch is in line with Pharming's strategy to form partnerships for the manufacturing and commercialization of its products," said Dr. Frank Pieper, CSO of Pharming. "In addition, Pharming is pleased to provide AgResearch a license to its protein production technology and expects further licensing of the technology for various applications."
Pharming has granted AgResearch a research license to its proprietary technology for the production of recombinant proteins. In return, Pharming will have the first right to review new products arising out of AgResearch's protein discovery and R&D projects. The commercial rights of Pharming will cover recombinant bovine and human proteins produced using its proprietary technology.
Pharming is currently preparing a filing on rhLF for Generally Recognized as Safe ("GRAS") registration with the US Food and Drug Administration ("FDA"). Results from toxicology studies demonstrated that rhLF can be consumed orally at high amounts with no adverse effect.
Background on Pharming Group N.V.
Pharming Group N.V. is developing innovative protein therapeutics for unmet medical needs. The Company's products include potential treatments for genetic disorders, specialty products for surgical indications, and intermediates for various applications. Pharming's lead product (recombinant human C1 inhibitor) for hereditary angioedema is in Phase III of clinical development. The advanced technologies of the Company include innovative platforms for the production of protein therapeutics, as well as technology and processes for the purification and formulation of these products. Additional information is available on the Pharming website, http://www.pharming.com.
Background on AgResearch Limited AgResearch Limited is the largest government owned research organization in New Zealand and is charged with operating on a full commercial basis. In the 2003-04 year, AgResearch and subsidiaries earned a total of $ 133.7 million in revenues. Profits have been largely reinvested in growing AgResearch's scientific capability to support New Zealand's pastoral sector. For further information on AgResearch, please visit http://www.agresearch.co.nz.
This press release contains forward looking statements that involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward looking statements.