Newly formed company to focus on creating critical R&D and
manufacturing infrastructure and supplying biodefense countermeasures
within Asia and other territories.
ROCKVILLE, Md. & PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 24,
2008--Emergent BioSolutions (NYSE: EBS) and Ninebio Sdn. Bhd. ("9Bio")
today announced the formation of a joint venture in Malaysia that will
focus on creating critical biologics infrastructure and supplying
biodefense countermeasures, including BioThrax(R) (Anthrax Vaccine
Adsorbed), and other medical and complementary products and services
to the Government of Malaysia. It is anticipated that the joint
venture will also supply such products and services to certain member
countries of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference ("OIC") and
other countries within Asia. 9Bio is a Malaysian Government owned
company and one of the National Institutes of Health under the
Ministry of Health. 9Bio is fully funded by the Government of
Malaysia. The Government of Malaysia, through 9Bio, has selected
Emergent BioSolutions as one of its principal partners to assist, as a
contract service provider, in building vaccine development and
manufacturing infrastructure. The joint venture will be majority owned
by Emergent BioSolutions.
"This joint venture is a step towards our objective to obtain
vaccine development and manufacturing capabilities as well as
bio-terrorism preparedness. I am very proud that 9Bio has been
entrusted to serve as an extension of the Malaysian Government's
implementation of these critical objectives. Emergent BioSolutions is
the most appropriate partner for 9Bio for this venture and I am
confident that the new company will exemplify both expertise and
experience in this area," said chief executive officer of 9Bio, Datuk
Dr. Nor Shahidah Khairullah. "We are looking forward to working very
closely with the Ministry of Health and other agencies in Malaysia in
developing and implementing this plan."
"We are honored to partner with 9Bio for this important joint
venture and to have been selected by the Government of Malaysia to
provide these important services. It is our belief that this joint
venture will not only expand the use of our anthrax vaccine in this
market, but will also serve as a platform for joint product
development and manufacturing activities," said Fuad El-Hibri,
chairman and chief executive officer of Emergent BioSolutions.
"Emergent BioSolutions applauds the Malaysian Government's support of
a public-private partnership approach to growing the Malaysia
biotechnology sector and we welcome the opportunity to play a pivotal
role in the implementation of its plan."
Witnessing the signing ceremony, Director General of the Malaysian
Ministry of Health, Tan Sri Datuk Dr Haji Ismail Merican affirmed that
through 9Bio, one of the National Institutes of Health in Malaysia,
the Ministry of Health would be able to focus on developing and
manufacturing biologics, biosecurity and bioterrorism countermeasures
for Malaysia.
About Ninebio
Ninebio Sdn. Bhd. is a Malaysian Government owned company, and as
one of the National Institutes of Health, under the Ministry of
Health, is focused on the research and development of vaccines,
natural products and biologics. Its vision is to "drive innovation
solutions for a healthier world." One of the focus areas of
development is in biosecurity and bioterrorism counter-measures. 9Bio
is currently cementing strategic alliances with companies that meet
its needs. 9Bio is constructing its research and development and
secondary manufacturing facility in Bandar Enstek, Negeri Sembilan,
Malaysia. It is expected to be completed by 2010. Pending the
completion of its facilities, 9Bio intends to procure and distribute
vaccines, natural products and biologicals to customers in the ASEAN
region thereby building its brand name. 9Bio is primarily funded by
the Government of Malaysia.
About Emergent BioSolutions Inc
Emergent BioSolutions Inc is a profitable, multinational
biopharmaceutical company dedicated to one simple mission - to protect
life. We develop, manufacture and commercialize immunobiotics,
consisting of vaccines and therapeutics that assist the body's immune
system to prevent or treat disease and other medical conditions that
have resulted in significant unmet or under deserved public health
needs. Our marketed product, BioThrax(R) (Anthrax Vaccine Absorbed),
is the only vaccine approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
for the prevention of anthrax infection. More information on the
company is available at www.emergentbiosolutions.com.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release includes forward-looking statements within the
meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any
statements, other than statements of historical fact, including
statements regarding our strategy, future operations, prospects, plans
and objectives of management, including development plans, and any
other statements containing the words "believes," "expects,"
"anticipates," "plans," "estimates" and similar expressions, are
forward-looking statements. There are a number of important factors
that could cause actual results to differ materially from those
indicated by such forward-looking statements, including the rate and
degree of market acceptance and clinical utility of products; ability
to identify and acquire or in license products and product candidates
that satisfy selection criteria; the potential benefits of our
existing collaboration agreements and our ability to enter into
selective additional collaboration arrangements; the timing of and our
ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approvals for our product
candidates; our commercialization, marketing and manufacturing
capabilities and strategy; our intellectual property portfolio; our
estimates regarding expenses, future revenue, capital requirements and
needs for additional financing; and other factors identified in
Emergent's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
September 30, 2007 and subsequent reports filed with the SEC. Emergent
disclaims any intention or obligation to update any forward-looking
statements as a result of developments occurring after the date of
this press release.
MULTIMEDIA AVAILABLE:
http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=5592986
CONTACT: Emergent BioSolutions Inc
Investors:
Robert G. Burrows, 301-795-1877
Vice President, Investor Relations
burrowsR@ebsi.com
or
Media:
Tracey Schmitt, 301-795-1800
Director, Corporate Communications
schmittT@ebsi.com
or
Ninebio Sdn Bhd
Media:
Soheir Khatib, 6-03-7883 4333/6-03-7726 2222
Director of Marketing & Communications
soheir.khatib@9bio.org
SOURCE: Emergent BioSolutions