(BW) (ENZON)(ENZN) Rhone-Poulenc Rorer Licenses Enzon's ONCASPAR for Additional Territories Business Wire
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(BW) (ENZON)(ENZN) Rhone-Poulenc Rorer Licenses Enzon's ONCASPAR for Additional Territories

BUSINESS WIRE; May 13, 1998

PISCATAWAY, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 13, 1998--Enzon, Inc. (NASDAQ:ENZN) announced today that its marketing partner, Rhone-Poulenc Rorer Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (RPR) has expanded its license agreement to sell Enzon's Pegaspargase product in the Pacific Rim. RPR currently sells Pegaspargase under the trade name ONCASPAR(R) in the United States and Canada, and also has exclusive rights for Mexico. Pegaspargase is also approved in West Germany and Russia, and will be registered and marketed throughout Europe under an agreement with Medac GmbH, a German oncology company based in Hamburg and 25% owned by Schering AG. Enzon has also licensed Tzamal Pharma Ltd. to market the product in Israel, and is pursuing agreements with other companies for the remaining unlicensed territories, primarily South America.

ONCASPAR is the native enzyme L-asparaginase modified by Enzon's proprietary polyethylene glycol (PEG) technology. The treatment with ONCASPAR requires only about one-tenth the number of doses that are required for the competing therapy. ONCASPAR provides an increased quality of life, as well as cost advantages, in addition to a reduction in immune reactions.

RPR and Medac are currently conducting clinical trials to potentially expand the indications for ONCASPAR. These trials include front-line therapy of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and AIDS related lymphoma.

"We are especially pleased about RPR's expansion of its license for ONCASPAR. It extends our marketing reach to all the major markets of the world, and demonstrates RPR's confidence in the future potential of the product and their commitment to its success. Our relationship with RPR has been extremely successful and we look forward to maximizing ONCASPAR's market potential," stated Peter G. Tombros, Enzon's president and chief executive officer.

"In keeping with RPR strategy of introducing breakthrough products that bring significant benefits to unmet medical needs, we are very pleased to add ONCASPAR to our oncology portfolio, as it represents a very useful contribution to the treatment of ALL," said John Michelmore, RPR Senior Vice President and General Manager, Asia Pacific.

Enzon is a biopharmaceutical company developing advanced therapeutics for life-threatening diseases through the application of its proprietary drug delivery and targeting technologies, PEG Modification, Pro Drug/Transport technology and Single-Chain Antigen-Binding (SCA(R)) protein technology. Enzon's research activities are focused primarily in the area of oncology. Enzon develops and markets products on its own and through strategic alliances, such as Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Eli Lilly & Company, Rhone-Poulenc Rorer Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Schering-Plough Corporation. Headquartered in Piscataway, NJ, Enzon has two FDA approved products, as well as several products in various stages of clinical development by itself and partners.

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Except for the historical information herein, the matters discussed in this news release include forward-looking statements that may involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may vary significantly based upon a number of factors, including without limitation, risks in obtaining and maintaining regulatory approval for expanded indications, market acceptance of and continuing demand for Enzon's products and the impact of competitive products and pricing.

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CONTACT: Enzon, Inc. Dana C. Bicsko Corporate Communications & Investor Relations Mgr. 732-980-4577

http://www.enzon.com

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