Schering AG launches MS-drug Betaferon(R) in Japan
Berlin, Germany, November 27, 2000; Nihon Schering K.K., Osaka/Japan, a
subsidiary of Schering AG, Berlin (NYSE: SHR), has started distribution of its
therapeutic drug for multiple sclerosis, Betaferon(R), in Japan. "The launch
of our biotech-drug Betaferon(R) in Japan gives approximately 7.000 Japanese,
who are suffering from multiple sclerosis, access to substantial treatment of
the disease for the first time," stated Prof. Dr. Klaus Pohle, CFO of Schering
AG and Chairman of Nihon Schering. He added: "Betaferon(R) is now introduced to
the biggest markets worldwide."
Nihon Schering's strategy in Japan is to reach a leading position in its
specialized indications in therapeutics, e.g.multiple sclerosis, leukemia and
solid tumors, as well as in fertility control and hormone therapy, and to
broaden its strong role in diagnostics. The launch of Betaferon(R) is part
of this strategy, in April this year Fludara(R), an innovative drug for the
treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia, had been introduced to the Japanese
market and in March Mitsui Pharmaceuticals had been acquired. "The integration
of Mitsui Pharmaceuticals will give us further resources for the envisaged e
xpansion in the field of therapeutics in Japan," Prof. Pohle said. Nihon
Schering also launched Triquilar(R), as one of the first oral contraceptives
in Japan, in September 1999, which already achieved a market share of more
than 30%.
Betaferon(R) is the first recombinant interferon preparation approved as a
treatment for multiple sclerosis with proven efficacy in preventing relapses
and suppressing exacerbations. In Japan, currently available treatments for
multiple sclerosis are limited to symptomatic treatment or rehabilitation.
Betaferon(R) has been approved in 63 countries including the EU, USA and
Canada and, with a volume of over EUR450m in sales in 1999 and with estimated
sales of over EUR600m in 2000, is one of the ten top-selling biotech-products
worldwide.
Innovative acne therapy: Schering AG and US-biotech company DUSA are starting
new studies with Levulan(R) PDT
Berlin, Germany, November 27, 2000; Schering AG (NYSE: SHR) and DUSA
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ NMS: DUSA) reported today the initiation
of a Phase l/II clinical trial using Levulan(R) Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Acne is the most commonly treated skin
disease in the United States and Canada, afflicting primarily teenagers and
young adults, with millions of patient visits per year.
The feasibility study will be conducted at two clinical trial sites, involving
a minimum of 50 patients with moderate to severe acne vulgaris of the face.
The goal is to take advantage of Levulan(R)'s preferential uptake by
sebaceous glands and Propionibacterium acnes, in order to achieve
successful clearing of acne lesions, while attaining an acceptable
side effect profile.
"The start of phase I/II clinical trial for treatment of acne demonstrates the
strong innovative potential of Levulan(R) PDT," explained Prof. Dr. Guenter
Stock, member of the board of Executive Directors and responsible for
Research and Development. Studies on further indications with Levulan(R)
PDT are in preparation. In September 2000, Schering AG launched Levulan(R)
PDT System on the US-market for treatment of non-hyperkeratotic actinic
keratoses (AKs) of the face or scalp. "The study is a further step in our
strategy to enhance Schering's activities in the area of dermatology and
underlines our special focus on the United States," Prof. Stock added.
In the first nine months of 2000, global sales in Schering AG's dermatology
business rose 10 percent year-on-year and achieved sales of EUR166m.
Schering AG and its U.S. subsidiary, Berlex Laboratories, Inc., are collabo-
rating with the US-American biopharmaceutical company DUSA since November
1999 on the development of innovative therapies for dermatological indications.
DUSA is engaged primarily in the development of Levulan(R) PDT and
Photodetection (PD) for multiple medical indications. Schering AG obtained
exclusive worldwide marketing and distribution rights (excluding Canada)
for the Levulan(R) PDT System for dermatology indications.
Schering AG is a research-based pharmaceutical company. Its activities are
focused on four business areas: fertility control and hormone therapy,
diagnostics and radiopharmaceuticals, dermatology as well as therapeutics
for disabling diseases, e.g. multiple sclerosis, leukemia and solid tumors.
As a global player with innovative products Schering AG aims for leading
positions in specialized markets worldwide. With in-house R&D and supported
by an excellent global network with external partners, Schering AG is
securing a promising product pipeline. Using new ideas, Schering AG aims
to make a recognized contribution to medical progress and strives to
improve the quality of life.
Berlin, Germany, November 27, 2000
Schering AG
Corporate Communication
For further information please contact:
Dr. Friedrich von Heyl Frank Richtersmeier
Business and Financial Communication Pharma Communication
Phone: +49 - 30 - 468 152 96 Phone: +49 - 30 - 468 176 61
Fax: +49 - 30 - 468 166 46 Fax: +49 - 30 - 468 167 10
[email protected] [email protected]
Certain statements in this press release that are neither reported financial
results nor other historical information are forward-looking statements,
including but not limited to, statements that are predictions of or indicate
future events, trends, plans or objectives. Undue reliance should not be
placed on such statements because, by their nature, they are subject to known
and unknown risks and uncertainties and can be affected by other factors that
could cause actual results and Schering AG's plans and objectives to differ
materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements.
Certain factors that may cause such differences are discussed in our Form 20-F
registration statement. Schering AG undertakes no obligation to update publicly
or revise any of these forward-looking statements, whether to reflect new
information or future events or circumstances or otherwise.
