MONTREAL, March 19, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Viropro Inc. (OTCBB:VPRO) ("Viropro") is pleased to announce that an important contractual partnership has been signed with the National Research Council- Biotechnology Research Institute (NRC-BRI) for the development of one of the company's main products, a targeted high volume sales Monoclonal Antibody. NRC-BRI has granted Viropro an exclusive worldwide license for cutting edge intellectual property designed to increase the production of specific biopharmaceutical products in manufacturing processes.
The company intends to out-license this product to various biopharmaceutical manufacturing partners. Discussions to this effect are ongoing with a first contract expected to be signed by the end of 2007. Significant revenues are expected between 2008 and 2010 from out-licensing fees and royalties.
"This partnership represents the integration of selected NRC-BRI Intellectual Property and process development expertise to Viropro's product development. It will minimize the company's capital expenditure requirements and allow both scientific groups to team-up to advance our core business objectives," said Jean-Marie Dupuy, Viropro's President and CEO.
Dr. Michel Desrochers of NRC-BRI stated that "It is with great pleasure that I see one of NRC-BRI's technology platforms being used to support one of our promising biotech companies."
About the National Research Council Biotechnology Research Institute (NRC-BRI):
The NRC Biotechnology Research Institute ( www.bri.nrc.gc.ca ) is one of the most important biotechnology R&D laboratories in Canada. More than 800 people -- NRC employees, students, researchers and guest scientists -- work in its three large research sectors: Health, Bioprocess, and Environment, as well as in setting up the Institute's many industrial partnerships. The Institute maintains ties with industry and universities for the benefit of Canadians.
About the National Research Council of Canada (NRC):
Recognized globally for research and innovation, Canada's National Research Council is a leader in developing an innovative, knowledge-based economy for Canada through science and technology.
About Viropro Inc.
Viropro Inc. conducts operations through its subsidiary Viropro International Inc., whose Head Office is located in Montreal, Canada. Viropro is a rapidly expanding biopharmaceutical company specializing in the transfer of its technologies for industrial production of biogeneric therapeutic proteins, excluding therapeutic vaccines, for the treatment of various diseases including cancer, diabetes, hepatitis or multiple sclerosis. The company's principal objective is to bring about the transfer of technology to pharmaceutical companies in emerging markets with unmet medical needs such as in South America, Asia and Africa. To expand its range of expertise in biopharmaceuticals excluding therapeutic vaccines, Viropro has concluded strategic alliances with various scientific and business partners renowned in national and international spheres. Viropro's business model rests on a strategy aimed at generating recurrent short and long-term revenues, all while maximizing the value of assets and profits of its shareholders.
For more information on Viropro Inc., please visit our website on www.viropro.com
Viropro Inc. Safe Harbor Statement
Except for any historic information contained herein, the matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, which are subject to section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and section 21E of the Exchange Act of 1934, and are subject to safe harbor created by these sections. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, goals, assumptions of future events or performances are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements in this release may be identified through the use of such words as "expects", "anticipates", "estimates", "believes", or statements indicating certain actions "may", "could", or "might" occur. Actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements, which involve numerous risks and uncertainties, including the Company's ability to market its products and services in a competitive environment as well as other factors.