Ipsen: FDA Accepts for Filing a Biologics License Application (BLA) for Dysport(R) in Cervical Dystonia



    Regulatory News:

    Ipsen (Paris:IPN) today announced that the Food and Drug
    Administration (FDA) has accepted the filing of its BLA for Dysport(R)
    in the United States to treat patients with cervical dystonia. This
    acceptance signifies the start of the review process of the dossier.

    About Dysport

    The active substance in Dysport(R) is a botulinum neurotoxin type
    A complex, which acts at the level of the neuromuscular junction in
    the targeted muscle. Dysport(R), Ipsen´s botulinum toxin type A, is a
    neuromuscular blocking toxin which acts to block acetylcholine release
    at motor nerve ends and reduces muscular spasm. It was initially
    developed for the treatment of movement disorders such as cervical
    dystonia (a chronic condition in which the neck is twisted or
    deviated), blepharospasm (involuntary eye closure), hemifacial spasm
    and various forms of muscle spasticity, including post-stroke arm
    spasticity, spasticity of the lower limbs (calf) in adults and
    children with cerebral palsy. Dysport(R) was originally launched in
    the United Kingdom in 1991 and has marketing authorisations in over 70
    countries.

    The product is currently referred to as Reloxin(R) in the United
    States aesthetic market and Dysport(R) for medical and aesthetic
    markets outside the U.S.

    About Ipsen

    Ipsen is an innovation driven international specialty
    pharmaceutical group with over 20 products on the market and a total
    worldwide staff of nearly 4,000. The company´s development strategy is
    based on a combination of products in targeted therapeutic areas
    (oncology, endocrinology and neuromuscular disorders) which are growth
    drivers, and primary care products which contribute significantly to
    its research financing. This strategy is also supported by an active
    policy of partnerships. The location of its four Research and
    Development centres (Paris, Boston, Barcelona, London) gives the Group
    a competitive edge in gaining access to leading university research
    teams and highly qualified personnel. In 2006, R&D expenditure was EUR
    178.3 million, i.e. 20.7% of consolidated sales, which amounted to EUR
    861.7 million while total revenues amounted to EUR 945.3 million (in
    IFRS). 700 people in R&D are dedicated to the discovery and
    development of innovative drugs for patient care. Ipsen´s shares are
    traded on Segment A of Eurolist by Euronext(TM) (stock code: IPN, ISIN
    code: FR0010259150). Ipsen´s shares are eligible to the "Service de
    Reglement Differe" ("SRD") and the Group is part of the SBF 250 index.
    From 24 December 2007, the Group will be part of the SBF120 index. For
    more information on Ipsen, visit our website at www.ipsen.com.

    Forward-looking statements

    The forward-looking statements and targets contained herein are
    based on Ipsen´s management´s current views and assumptions. Such
    statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may
    cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from
    those anticipated herein. Moreover, the Research and Development
    process involves several stages at each of which there is a
    substantial risk that the Group will fail to achieve its objectives
    and be forced to abandon its efforts in respect of a product in which
    it has invested significant sums. Thus, in order to develop a product
    which is viable from a commercial point of view, the Group must
    demonstrate, by means of pre-clinical and human clinical trials, that
    the molecules are effective and not dangerous to human beings.
    Therefore, the Group cannot be certain that favourable results
    obtained during pre-clinical trials will be confirmed subsequently
    during clinical trials, or that the results of clinical trials will be
    sufficient to demonstrate the safe and effective nature of the product
    concerned, or that the regulatory authorities will be satisfied with
    the data and information provided by the Company. Ipsen expressly
    disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update or revise any
    forward looking statements, targets or estimates contained in this
    press release to reflect any change in events, conditions, assumptions
    or circumstances on which any such statements are based, unless so
    required by applicable law. Ipsen´s business is subject to the risk
    factors outlined in its information documents filed with the French
    Autorite des Marches Financiers.