“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® (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.
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
