BERLIN, July 15, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Jerini AG (FSE:JI4) announced today that the European Commission has granted the company marketing authorization for Firazyr(r) (Icatibant) in the treatment of acute attacks of hereditary angioedema (HAE). The European Commission's approval allows Jerini to market Firazyr(r) in the European Union's 27 member states, making it the first product to be approved in all EU countries for the treatment of HAE.
"The European Commission's approval of Firazyr(r) is a pivotal milestone for Jerini as a company," said Jens Schneider-Mergener, CEO of Jerini. "Our sales and marketing team is ready to make Firazyr(r) available to HAE patients in all 27 EU countries, giving them access to an innovative treatment for their disease."
About Firazyr(r)
Firazyr(r), a synthetic peptidomimetic, is a first-in-class compound, which works by blocking the B2 receptor as an antagonist to the peptide-hormone bradykinin. Bradykinin has been shown to be elevated in HAE patients and responsible for edema formation during HAE attacks. Firazyr(r) has been granted orphan drug status for the treatment of angioedema by the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), potentially securing, upon approval, market exclusivity for ten and seven years, respectively. Among Firazyr(r)'s key benefits to patients are its safety and efficacy profiles as demonstrated in clinical studies to date, subcutaneous administration, and room temperature stability. Firazyr(r) will be packaged in a pre-filled syringe.
About HAE
HAE is a debilitating and potentially life-threatening genetic disease characterized by unpredictable recurring swelling attacks in the hands, feet, face, larynx, and abdomen. It is estimated that approximately 10,000 patients in the United States and Europe have been diagnosed with HAE. HAE attacks affecting the face, hands, and feet can be disfiguring, while attacks in the gastrointestinal tract result in severe pain caused by swelling in the intestinal wall. Attacks that affect the larynx are life-threatening because swelling of the larynx constricts the upper airways and can lead to death by suffocation. The prevalence of HAE is estimated between one in 50,000 and one in 10,000 individuals, and it is estimated that between 15,000 and 75,000 people are affected with HAE in the European Union and the United States.
About Jerini AG
Jerini is a pharmaceutical company based in Berlin, Germany, focusing on the discovery, development, and commercialization of novel peptide-based drugs. The company pursues disease indications that have limited or no treatment options and has built a drug pipeline composed of its own programs, as well as others in collaboration with established partners. Jerini's lead compound, Firazyr(r), is a first-in-class compound developed for the treatment of hereditary angioedema (HAE) and European product launch is planned in the third quarter of 2008. Jerini has also established several in-house development programs, which address indications within the therapeutic areas of ophthalmology, oncology, and inflammatory disease. On July 3, 2008, Jerini and Shire Limited announced a strategic partnership including Shire's voluntary public takeover bid of EUR 6.25 per share to all Jerini Shareholders. Management expects the takeover to be completed in the next 3 months. For more information, please see www.jerini.com.
ISIN: DE0006787476