Octapharma News July 27th, 2003

July 27th, 2003

Octapharma strengthens its commitment to Mexico

Octapharma is pleased to announce the closing of an asset deal involving the purchase of Probifasa SA de CV - a Mexican plasma fractionation company.

Probifasa was founded in the early 1990‘s through a Management buy out from Miles Cutter (today: Bayer), and specialises in the production of albumin and hyperimmune globulins.

Octapharma’s local manufacturing of Factor VIII (Octanate) and Albumin (Octalbin), which currently is located in San Juan del Rio, will be transferred to the new premises in Mexico City. In parallel Octapharma will undertake a programme of investments and upgrades designed to ensure that the facility meets and exceeds Good Manufacturing Practice requirements and complies with Octapharma´s stringent Quality standards.

All Octapharma products produced and distributed in Mexico, including albumin, will be double virus inactivated, to ensure maximum patient safety and clinical confidence.

Through this acquisition, Octapharma will consolidate its position as a local producer and supplier of plasma derivatives. Octapharma is already a market leader in Mexico and for several years has provided Octanate, a double inactivated, high purity FVIII for most of the country´s haemophilia A population. In addition, Octapharma is the leading supplier of intravenous immunoglobulin through sales of its double inactivated, liquid, room temperature stable product - Octagam.

The new Mexican company - Octapharma SA will be headed by Mr Angel Sosa under the corporate leadership of Mr Tobias Marguerre, and will employ approximately 150 people.

“Octapharma has always been, and will remain very committed to the Mexican plasma derivatives market. This acquisition is an important step in assisting Mexico to improve its overall plasma supply and utilisation, and is fully consistent with Octapharma’s mission statement: for the safe and optimal use of plasma”.

Tobias Marguerre

“This asset deal will not only strengthen Octapharma’s position in the Mexican market place but will also allow Octapharma to play an increasingly important role in the continuous supply of life saving therapies to Mexican haemophiliacs, immune-deficient patients and in the intensive care setting” affirmed Mr Tobias Marguerre.

The purchase of Probifasa means Octapharma now has four plasma fractionation facilities. For more information about Octapharma´s manufacturing plants and capacity please visit our “Production” page.