19th Sep 2005 12:14
BTG PLC19 September 2005 BTG plc: Campath(R) Progress and Date for Interim Results and Pipeline Update London, UK, 19 September 2005: BTG plc (LSE: BGC), the medical innovationscompany, today reports that Genzyme Corporation, BTG's licensee for Campath(R),and Schering AG have announced interim results of the Phase II trial comparingCampath(R) (alemtuzumab) with Rebif(R) (interferon beta-1a) for the treatment ofmultiple sclerosis. Campath(R) is currently approved and marketed as atreatment for B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. The interim results showed a large treatment effect in favour of Campath(R)after one year of treatment. There were also three confirmed cases of severeidiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). ITP is already included in theCampath(R) label. Based on the results, the companies will continue to collectboth efficacy and safety data from this trial while preparing to initiate aPhase III trial, in consultation with the regulator. A full copy of theannouncement by Genzyme and Schering is available on Genzyme's website: http://www.genzyme.com. Louise Makin, BTG's Chief Executive Officer, commented: "These interim resultsclearly show a strong treatment effect of Campath(R) in multiple sclerosis. Weare pleased that the companies are progressing plans for Phase III trials.Royalties on sales of Campath(R) represent a significant source of actual andpotential revenue for BTG." BTG also announces that its Interim Results will be published at 7:00am on 10November 2005. A presentation of the results for analysts will take place at 9:30m at BTG's London office and will be followed by an update from 10:30am - 12:30pmon BTG's drug development pipeline. Prior to publication of the fullInterim Results, BTG will issue an update on the impact of reporting its resultsin accordance with the International Accounting Standards (IAS) 1, "Presentationof financial statements". BTG also confirms that it has today transferred from the FTSE Business SupportServices sub-sector to the Biotechnology sub-sector. - Ends - BTG Financial DynamicsAndy Burrows, Director of Investor Relations Ben Atwell +44 (0)20 7575 1741 +44 (0)20 7831 3113 About BTG BTG acquires rights to early stage pharmaceuticals and other medicaltechnologies from a global network of corporations, universities and researchinstitutions. The Company applies resources including finance, intellectualproperty and project management skills to fund and manage outsourced preclinicaland clinical development programs. BTG then commercializes the technologies bylicensing to pharmaceutical or medical device companies, or by creatingcompanies to exploit them. The Company is also commercializing a range oftechnologies in the internet and telecommunications areas. BTG's pipelinecomprises around 50 assets at varying stages of development, contributing to anincreasing range of products marketed by our licensees. BTG operates fromLondon, Philadelphia and Tokyo. For further information visit: www.btgplc.com. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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