Biovator and AstraZeneca join forces to launch a new alternative to animal testing

Press release
September 6, 2007


Biovator and AstraZeneca join forces to launch a new alternative to animal
testing

Biovator AB and AstraZeneca R&D have signed an agreement to cooperate on the
development of an in vitro-test that identifies potential allergens. 

Allergic reactions to compounds found in new pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and
foods is a risk that needs to be discovered in advance. But until recently, this
could only be determined by animal testing. For several years Biovator, often
with support from AstraZeneca, has been refining an in Vitro method to take the
place of expensive and ethically questionable animal testing. The new test is
planned to be ready by 2009, which is also when the EU will forbid the use of
animals in the determination of risk for allergic reactions.

“We're definitely seeing a ground swell of enthusiasm and interest in our method
as a substitute for conventional testing on animals,” says Biovator's CEO, Stan
Mikulowski. “Working together with AstraZeneca helps us exchange valuable skills
and experience, and we see this as a crucial step in the creation of new
products to meet the coming EU directives.”

“There is a significant need for this kind of test - in the pharmaceutical
sector as well as other industries that are introducing new substances and
compounds into the marketplace,” says Dr. Karin Cederbrant, head of
AstraZeneca's department of Immunotoxicology.  “Taking part in the creation of
dependable ways to eliminate the need for using live animals is totally in-line
with our policy.”

Based in Stockholm, Sweden, Biovator AB is dedicated to the innovation of in
vitro test methods for the predictive testing of allergic reactions. In addition
to greatly reducing the need for animal testing, these methods are less
expensive, faster and provide more reliable results for the pharmaceutical,
cosmetic and food additive industries. 

LinkMed's ownership stake in Biovator is 46 percent.


For further information contact:
Ingemar Lagerlöf, CEO LinkMed, Tel +46 8 50 89 39 93 or
ingemar.lagerlof@linkmed.se


LinkMed develops new life-science companies in collaboration with innovators and
other financiers. By contributing entrepreneurship and capital, LinkMed has
created a portfolio of eleven companies, six in drug development and
biotechnology and five in medical technology.LinkMed's role changes from
operational to strategic as its portfolio companies develop.  The LinkMed share
is listed on the OMX Nordic Exchange Stockholm and the largest owners are
FastPartner, Koncentra Holding, the founder Ingemar Lagerlöf and Mannerson
Fastigheter. See www. linkmed.se for more information.