Merz Pharma Canada Ltd. is Proud to Announce That Xeomin(R) has Received Exception Drug Status From the Conseil du medicament du Quebec(i)

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - February 04, 2010) -

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

DESCRIPTION OF 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. Presently, Botox®, another Botulinum neurotoxin, is on the exception drug status program, under certain conditions.

ECONOMIC AND PHARMACOECONOMIC ASPECTS

A vial of Xeomin® costs $330, whereas a vial of Botox® costs $357. From a pharmacoeconomic standpoint, and assuming that Xeomin's® and Botox's® efficacy and safety are equivalent, cost of treatment with Xeomin® is lower than Botox® in the recommended doses and for all studied medical conditions. Therefore, Xeomin® meets economic and pharmacoeconomic criteria.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

The Conseil did not list the Botulinum toxin in the regular section so there would be no reimbursement for aesthetic reasons.

CONCLUSION

Given all criteria under the law, the Conseil recommended that Xeomin® be added to the formularies according to the following recognized indication:

For the treatment of cervical dystonia, blepharospasm and other severe spastic conditions.

About Merz Pharmaceuticals GmbH (www.merz.com):

Merz Pharmaceuticals, a member of the Merz 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 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.

For the full approval letter from the Conseil du medicament du Quebec please go to http://www.cdm.gouv.qc.ca/site/282.1744.0.0.1.0.phtml.

(i)XEOMIN® is indicated for the conditions of blepharospasm, cervical dystonia (predominantly rotational form (spasmodic torticollis), and post-stroke spasticity.