MONTREAL, Dec. 1, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Viropro Pharma, a subsidiary of Viropro, Inc. (OTCBB:VPRO), is pleased to announce that it has signed a major partnership with the Tokyo-based firm Immuno Japan Inc. for the marketing and production of therapeutic proteins in international markets.
According to the agreement, Viropro Pharma has acquired licences to patented technologies related to the production of therapeutic proteins (alpha and beta interferon, Interleukin 2, EPO -- erythropoietin) and human growth factors (rHuG-CSF and rHuGM-CSF) for Latin America, Thailand, China, Taiwan, Singapore and South Africa. Immuno Japan Inc., who developed the licensed technologies in Japan (Tokyo and Kyoto), will oversee the technology transfer process and provide technical support to Viropro Pharma's clients and partners.
Dr. Tetsuo Nakamura, President of Immuno Japan Inc., has a widely recognized scientific and business background in the field of biotechnology. In addition to holding a number of patents, Dr. Nakamura founded, and has operated for 25 years, the Institute of Immunology Co. Ltd., which specializes in the manufacture of biological reagents (antibodies, proteins) and is one of the leaders in its field in Japan. As well, he has been active in many private and public corporations in Japan, the United States and Canada.
"We expect that by adding Immuno Japan to our partnership network, we will strengthen our presence in key Asian countries while allowing us to also tap major potential in Latin America and elsewhere. The technology and products of Immuno Japan are of proven quality and already enjoy enormous commercial success in the Japanese market. Furthermore, our international partners will be able to produce them at extremely competitive costs," declared Patrick Barnabe, Viropro Pharma's new President. "Inspired by the requests of many clients and partners, we are working hard to advance our international marketing strategy which includes the development of our sales force in these territories. Announcements on this front are expected shortly."
"Through the years, Immuno Japan Inc. has acquired a reputation for offering pharmaceutical products of superior quality, as well as innovative technologies, notably related to the development of biopharmaceuticals such as proteins and recombinant monoclonal antibodies," affirmed Tetsuo Nakamura. "We are delighted with the prospects of this partnership and expect that Viropro Pharma will bring us increased international recognition while enhancing our expertise as we open up new markets."
About Viropro
Viropro, Inc. (OTCBB:VPRO) is seeking to establish a growth portfolio in Life Sciences markets through strategic alliances and revenue-producing acquisitions with the potential for continued shareholder value.
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