Almirall Italy signs an agreement with Altana Pharma AG for the commercialisation of Pantopan (pantoprazole)

Pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor indicated for the treatment of gastrointestinal pathologies

Barcelona, 17 October 2005.- Almirall, S.p.A., the Italian affiliate of Almirall, and Altana Pharma AG have signed an agreement whereby Almirall gains commercial rights to the medication Pantopan (pantoprazole) in Italy. This agreement confirms the commitment of Almirall to invest in the largest European markets, where Italy is one of the top five, as part of its internationalisation strategy.

Pantopan is one of the four Italian brands of the blockbusters pantoprazole, with a market share in Italy of 14%. This molecule is currently the fastest growing in the proton pump inhibitors’ class for the treatment of gastrointestinal pathologies and constitutes one of the largest therapeutic classes in Italy.

The licensing of Pantopan means that Almirall Italy will significantly increase its sales, as well as entering a market of strong growth. It will also maximise its portfolio of strategic products thanks to new synergies in the gastroenterology area with Motilex (clebopride) and in the rheumatology area with Airtal (aceclofenac), as proton pump inhibitors are usually used in association with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

“We are very pleased to have reached this agreement with Altana AG, and are sure that with the addition of Pantopan to its product portfolio, Almirall, S.p.A., will continue to consolidate its presence in Italy and will contribute to the international expansion of the company”, stated Luciano Conde, Chief Operating Officer of Almirall.

Almirall’s affiliate in Italy was created in 2002, starting with the promotion of aceclofenac, almotriptan, ebastine and clebopride, all of which are of from its own R&D, the first three also in co-marketing with local partners. Later brands of diazepam, naproxene, theophyline and fluvoxamine were in-licensed.Currently, Almirall, S.p.A. employs 160 staff members.It also undertakes clinical trial activity in the allergy and migraine field.

Almirall, a leading company committed to health

Almirall is a consolidated international pharmaceutical company that researches, develops and commercialises own R&D and licensed specialities with the aim of improving health and quality of life.

The therapeutic areas on which Almirall focuses its research resources are related to the treatment of asthma, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Almirall is to invest 650 million euros in R&D over the next five years. This is the largest investment in this area by a Spanish pharmaceutical company.Forecasts for total sales for 2005 amount to 946 million euros.

Almirall, whose headquarters are in Barcelona (Spain), has a staff of around 3,200 people of whom around 500 form part of the R&D team. It is currently present in around 100 countries with own products and licensed products from other prestigious companies. The company is strengthening its direct presence in Europe and Latin America via affiliates.