Biohit Oyj Press Release September 1, 2015 at 9:30 a.m. local time (EEST)
Biohit Oyj and Daiichi Sankyo (Thailand) Ltd have signed a distributor agreement. The agreement is in force immediately, and Daiichi Sankyo (Thailand) Ltd gains exclusive rights for the distribution of Acetium® capsules in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar.
Acetium® capsules efficiently bind carcinogenic acetaldehyde to a harmless compound in an achlorhydric stomach. This contributes to the prevention of cancer in the stomach and oesophagus. Acetium® capsules are intended e.g. for PPI users and persons suffering from an achlorhydric stomach caused by atrophy of the gastric mucosa (atrophic gastritis). Atrophic gastritis detected in a blood sample by GastroPanel® test can be caused by Helicobacter pylori infection or an autoimmune disease. An achlorhydric stomach is the most significant risk factor for gastric and significant risk factor for oesophageal cancer (see Additional information).
Biohit has an ongoing double-blind, placebo controlled international multi-centre clinical trial testing the effects of its Acetium® capsules in restoration of the structure and function of gastric mucosa in patients with atrophic gastritis. In addition, there are also two ongoing clinical trials testing the efficacy of Acetium® in prevention of migraine-type headache episodes.
Also, a double-blind clinical trial is ongoing, assessing whether Acetium® lozenge facilitates smoking quit. All study protocols can be found at: www.biohit.com, Study Protocols.
CEO Semi Korpela, Biohit Oyj: ’Acetaldehyde is the most common carcinogen in the world and is dangerous for everyone. Acetaldehyde accumulates in the anacidic stomach from alcoholic beverages and from alcohol in foodstuff. Also, the sugar acts as a source of acetaldehyde exposure. Bacteria and yeasts living in anacidic stomach, as well as helicobacteria, produce acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde dissolves in saliva from tobacco smoke, which transports it into the upper gastrointestinal tract. Acetium® reduces significantly (60-80 percent) the exposure to carcinogenic acetaldehyde. In the East Asian region, about 30%-50% of the population has a genetic error that causes enzyme deficiency (ALDH2) that can destroy acetaldehyde, this exposes them up to 5-6 times higher acetaldehyde concentrations compared to persons with an active ALDH2 enzyme. ALDH2 deficiency is linked to a several times higher gastric cancer risk with alcohol users.’
Chief Representative Yukinori Tominaga, Daiichi Sankyo (Thailand) Ltd. HCMC Rep Office: ‘Our mission is to expand the business by partnering on high potential products that complement our in-house portfolio. Biohit Oyj’s safe and unique Acetium® capsule fits this prospect well.’
Additional information:
CEO Semi Korpela, Biohit Oyj
tel. +358 9 773 861
investor.relations@biohit.fi
www.biohithealthcare.com
Biohit in brief
Biohit Oyj is a globally operating Finnish biotechnology company. Biohit’s mission is “Innovating for Health” – we produce innovative products and services to promote research and early diagnosis. Biohit is headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, and has subsidiaries in Italy and the UK. Biohit's Series B share (BIOBV) is quoted on Nasdaq Helsinki in the Small cap/Healthcare group. www.biohithealthcare.com
Daiichi Sankyo in brief
Daiichi Sankyo Group is dedicated to the creation and supply of innovative pharmaceutical products to address diversified, unmet medical needs of patients in both mature and emerging markets. With over 100 years of scientific expertise and a presence in more than 20 countries, Daiichi Sankyo and its 17,000 employees around the world draw upon a rich legacy of innovation and a robust pipeline of promising new medicines to help people. In addition to its strong portfolio of medicines for hypertension, dyslipidemia, bacterial infections, and thrombotic disorders, the Group’s research and development is focused on bringing forth novel therapies in cardiovascular-metabolic diseases, pain management, and oncology, including biologics. For more information, please visit: www.daiichisankyo.com.
