Summary: ALK has developed a new adrenaline pen for emergency treatment of
severe allergic reactions. In the months ahead, ALK expects to launch the new
adrenaline pen on the first European markets as a substitute for the company's
existing inlicensed product. Within the next few years, the new pen is expected
to improve ALK's earnings from its adrenaline business.
ALK today announces that the company has developed a new and improved
adrenaline auto-injector called JEXT®. The new product has been developed for
emergency treatment of allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) caused by, for example,
foods or bee stings. ALK expects the product to be approved by the European
health authorities in the near future.
JEXT® is expected to be available on the first European markets on 1 January
2011. ALK holds the global product rights and is planning to considerably
expand its geographical presence with adrenaline products.
ALK's current agreement on the sale and distribution of an inlicensed
adrenaline product in 16 European countries will cease with effect from 31
December 2010. In 2009, ALK's sales of the adrenaline product accounted for
some DKK 200 million, equivalent to approximately 10% of total sales. Earnings
from present sales of adrenaline products make only a minor contribution to
ALK's total operating profits. With the introduction of JEXT®, ALK expects to
improve the company's gross margin and substantially improve earnings from the
business area within the next few years.
ALK-Abelló A/S
Jens Bager
President and CEO
Contact: Jens Bager, President and CEO, tel. (+45) 4574 7576
Investor Relations: Per Plotnikof, tel. (+45) 4574 7527, mobile (+45) 2261 2525
Press: Martin Barlebo, tel. (+45) 4574 7901, mobile (+45) 2064 1143
About anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that develops rapidly and may lead to
death if not treated. The allergic reaction can be triggered by foods or by bee
and wasp stings. The symptoms can be itching, rash, swelling of the lips,
throat and tongue, wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing and hoarseness,
nausea, vomiting, stomach ache, headache, fear of death or unconsciousness.
Treatment of anaphylaxis is by means of adrenaline (epinephrine) injections, or
even hospitalisation in some cases, and preventive measures. Patients at risk
of developing anaphylaxis are recommended to carry a self-triggering disposable
injector containing adrenaline (adrenaline auto-injector), which must be used
immediately when symptoms of anaphylaxis appear. It is estimated that in Europe
and the USA there are up to four million people carrying an adrenaline
auto-injector.
Since anaphylaxis has to be treated quickly and effectively, it is important
that such adrenaline injectors are reliable, simple to use and work properly
under all circumstances.
About JEXT®
JEXT® is a new and improved adrenaline pen that has been developed to meet the
requirements of reliability and functionality. Furthermore, JEXT® has a
considerably longer shelf-life than existing products. In the near future,
JEXT® is expected to be approved in Europe for the emergency treatment of
allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). JEXT® has been developed by ALK and is
eventually expected to be launched worldwide. Until 31 December 2010, ALK will
be retailing another, inlicensed adrenaline pen in a number of European
countries (Austria, Belgium, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland,
Great Britain, Hungary, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia,
Spain, Sweden and Switzerland).
About ALK
ALK is a research-driven global pharmaceutical company focusing on allergy
treatment, prevention and diagnosis. ALK is the world leader in allergy
vaccination (immunotherapy). The company has 1,700 employees with subsidiaries,
production facilities and distributors worldwide. ALK is also part of a
strategic partnership with Merck on tablet-based allergy vaccination in North
America. The company is headquartered in Hørsholm, Denmark, and is listed on
NASDAQ OMX Copenhagen A/S. Read more at www.alk-abello.com.
