4th Jan 2005 07:00
Embargoed until12 noon (ET) 5 pm (GMT) Shire signs non-binding agreement for new ADHD Phase III compound. Basingstoke, UK and Philadelphia, US - 31 December 2004 - Shire PharmaceuticalsGroup plc (LSE: SHP, NASDAQ: SHPGY, TSX: SHQ) announces the signing of anon-binding initial agreement to globally develop and commercialize a newAttention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) compound from New RiverPharmaceuticals Inc.The compound, currently known as NRP104, is in Phase III clinical developmentin the US. New River Pharmaceuticals expects the product to reach the market inthe US by 2006.NRP104 is a new chemical entity - an amphetamine prodrug where lysine is linkedto d-amphetamine single salt. Because it is inactive until metabolized in theGI tract, it may offer the advantage of reduced potential for abuse or overdoseand may have a unique safety profile versus traditional stimulants.Says Matthew Emmens, Shire's Chief Executive Officer: "We are impressed withthe New River Pharmaceuticals technology platform and with NRP104 inparticular. We are pleased to be in the final stage of our discussions. Thispartnership is of benefit to both parties because of Shire's track record andexpertise in the ADHD market and its global structure. When a definitiveagreement is reached, access to this unique compound will support our vision ofmaintaining a leadership position in the treatment of ADHD in the years ahead."As negotiations continue deal terms are not being disclosed. Under the terms ofthe letter of intent signed today, Shire has the exclusive right to negotiate atransaction with New River until January 31, 2005. The final agreement will besubject to all necessary regulatory approvals. -end- For further information please contact:Investor Relations Clĩa Rosenfeld (UK and Europe) +44 1256 894 160 Brian Piper (US and Canada) +1 484 595 8252 Media Jessica Mann (UK and Europe) +44 1256 894 280 Matthew Cabrey (US) +1 484 595 8248 Notes to editorsShire Pharmaceuticals Group plcShire Pharmaceuticals Group plc (Shire) is a global specialty pharmaceuticalcompany with a strategic focus on meeting the needs of the specialist physicianand currently focuses on developing projects and marketing products in theareas of central nervous system (CNS), gastrointestinal (GI), and renaldiseases. Shire has operations in the world's key pharmaceutical markets (US,Canada, UK, France, Italy, Spain and Germany) as well as a specialist drugdelivery unit in the US.For further information on Shire, please visit the Company's website: www.shire.comTHE "SAFE HARBOR" STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACTOF 1995Statements included herein that are not historical facts are forward-lookingstatements. Such forward-looking statements involve a number of risks anduncertainties and are subject to change at any time. In the event such risks oruncertainties materialize, Shire's results could be materially affected. Therisks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks associated withthe inherent uncertainty of pharmaceutical research, product development,manufacturing and commercialization, the impact of competitive products,including, but not limited to, the impact of those on Shire's Attention Deficit& Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) franchise, patents, including but not limitedto, legal challenges relating to Shire's ADHD franchise, government regulationand approval, including but not limited to the expected product approval datesof METHYPATCH⨠(methylphenidate), Shire's ability to secure new products fordevelopment, the implementation of the current reorganization and other risksand uncertainties detailed from time to time in Shire's filings, including itsAnnual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003, with theSecurities and Exchange Commission.ENDRelated Shares:
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