Merz Pharma Canada Ltd. Is Proud to Announce That XEOMIN(R) Has Listed With Regular Benefit Status on the Alberta Health and Wellness Drug Benefit List (AHWDBL)

BURLINGTON, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - September 07, 2010) - For distribution to healthcare professionals only

The Government of Alberta’s Expert Committee recommended that Xeomin® (clostridium botulinum neurotoxin type A (150 kD), free from complexing proteins) be listed with Regular Benefit Status. The Health Canada indications should be noted in the AHWDBL as:

“Xeomin® is indicated in adults for the symptomatic management of blepharospasm, cervical dystonia of a predominantly rotational form (spasmodic torticollis), and post-stroke spasticity of the upper limb.”

 Trade name: Xeomin® Proper name: Clostridium Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A (150 kD), free from complexing proteins Manufacturer: Merz Pharmaceuticals GmbH Dosage form: Powder for intramuscular injection Strength: 100 units 

Description of the Drug

Botulinum neurotoxin type A blocks transmission at the neuromuscular junction, having therefore a paralyzing activity. Xeomin® is a purified version of the neurotoxin. It is indicated for the symptomatic treatment of blepharospasm, cervical dystonia and spasticity of the upper limbs in adult patients.

About Xeomin® (NT 201)

Xeomin® is a neurotoxin therapy, free from complexing proteins, that combines high specific biologic activity with low bacterial protein load. It has been approved for marketing in Europe since 2005 to treat various movement disorders, and more recently was approved in Canada for symptomatic management of blepharospasm, cervical dystonia and post-stroke spasticity of the upper limb.

About Merz

Merz Pharma Canada Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Merz Pharma Group of Companies was established in 2009 to commercialize Xeomin® and expand other Merz franchises in the Canadian marketplace.

Merz Pharmaceuticals GmbH (www.merz.com):

Merz Pharmaceuticals, a member of the Merz Pharma Group of companies, is an innovative and international healthcare company specializing in the research, development and marketing of pharmaceuticals for the treatment of neurological and psychiatric diseases. Merz is a leader in the field of neurology. In addition to developing Xeomin®, the company has developed memantine (Axura®) -- the first drug with a unique mechanism of action that focuses on the glutamatergic system for the treatment of moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease. The company also focuses on the development of innovative therapies within the therapeutic areas of hepatology, metabolic disease and dermatology.