EXTON, Pa., Nov. 14, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- ViroPharma Incorporated (Nasdaq:VPHM) today announced that it has been selected to become a member of the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index(R). ViroPharma's inclusion in the index will become effective with the market open on Monday, November 21, 2005.
"We are pleased that ViroPharma has been selected for inclusion in this Index, comprised of the most actively traded NASDAQ biotechnology and pharmaceutical stocks," commented Michel de Rosen, ViroPharma's chief executive officer. "It is our belief that our selection for this index will enhance our visibility within the investment community as we continue to build our company."
Launched in 1993, the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index contains companies that are classified according to the FTSE(tm) Global Classification System as either biotechnology or pharmaceutical which also meet other eligibility criteria. All securities in the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index must be listed on the NASDAQ National Market and meet minimum requirements for market value, average daily share volume and listing on a recognized market for at least six months, among other criteria. The Index is ranked on a semi-annual basis in May and November. For more information about the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index, including eligibility criteria, please visit http://www.nasdaq.com/.
About ViroPharma Incorporated
ViroPharma Incorporated is committed to the development and commercialization of products that address serious diseases treated by physician specialists and in hospital settings. ViroPharma commercializes Vancocin(R) approved for oral administration for treatment of antibiotic-associated pseudomembranous colitis caused by Clostridium difficile and enterocolitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin-resistant strains (for prescribing information, please download the package insert at http://www.viropharma.com/docs/pulvules_pi.pdf). ViroPharma currently focuses its drug development activities in viral diseases including cytomegalovirus (CMV) and hepatitis C (HCV). For more information on ViroPharma, visit the company's website at www.viropharma.com.
Certain statements in this press release contain forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including those relating to the company's ability to continue to execute on its business plan and gain enhanced visibility with the investment community. Our actual results could differ materially from those results expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. Conducting clinical trials for investigational pharmaceutical products is subject to risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that ViroPharma will be successful in gaining regulatory approval of any of its product candidates, gain enhanced visibility with the investment community or execute on its business plans. These factors, and other factors, including, but not limited to those described in ViroPharma's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2005 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, could cause future results to differ materially from the expectations expressed in this press release. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release may become outdated over time. ViroPharma does not assume any responsibility for updating any forward-looking statements.