Business Wire - August 24, 2000
"We have committed substantial financial and technical resources, so that we can start scaling up to produce this peptide in metric tons rather than kilograms," said David Reddy, Ph.D., virology franchise leader, Roche. "This is because we recognize the therapeutic potential that T-20 may have for the growing number of patients in need of new options to control their HIV infection. The production of peptides in such quantities represents a major challenge that we are pleased to undertake. We encountered similar challenges when the protease inhibitors were first introduced. Roche was the first company to bring the PIs forward in commercial quantities. We are confident that we will enjoy comparable success in the upcoming years and will produce T-20 in the amounts that will be needed."
Trimeris has already transferred the production process to Roche Colorado, where dedicated manufacturing capability has been established and manufacturing for clinical supply has been successfully initiated.
"We're delighted that Roche has chosen to commit substantial internal resources to the commercial manufacturing of T-20," said Dani Bolognesi, Ph.D., chief executive officer, director and co-founder of Trimeris, Inc. "Roche has experience in manufacturing peptides, a strong clinical development infrastructure and an excellent marketing track record. This is yet another example of how our partnership can facilitate the efficient development of this novel class of anti-HIV drugs."
About Hoffmann-La Roche and Trimeris
Hoffmann-La Roche Inc. (Roche), based in Nutley, N.J., is the U.S. prescription drug unit of the Roche Group, a leading research-based health care enterprise that ranks among the world's leaders in pharmaceuticals, diagnostics and vitamins. Roche discovers, develops, manufactures and markets numerous important prescription drugs that enhance people's health, well-being and quality of life. Among the company's areas of therapeutic interest are: virology, including HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C; infectious diseases, including influenza; cardiology; neurology; oncology; transplantation; dermatology; and metabolic diseases, including obesity and diabetes. For more information on the Roche pharmaceuticals business in the United States, visit the company's web site at: http://www.rocheusa.com
Trimeris, Inc. is a development stage, biopharmaceutical company engaged in the discovery and development of novel therapeutic agents that block viral infection by inhibiting viral fusion with host cells. Trimeris' leading product candidate, T-20, which inhibits fusion of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) with host cells, is currently in Phase II clinical trials and has received fast track designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Trimeris' second fusion inhibitor product candidate, T-1249, which also inhibits HIV fusion, has also received fast track designation from the FDA and is in Phase I/II clinical testing. For more information about fusion inhibitors and Trimeris, Inc., please visit the Trimeris Web site at www.trimeris.com
Note: Except for any historical information presented herein, matters presented in this release are forward-looking statements that involve risk and uncertainties. The results of Trimeris' previous clinical trials are not necessarily indicative of future clinical trials, and future results could differ materially from the results presented herein. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in the "Risk Factors" section included in Trimeris' For 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 29, 2000.
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CONTACT: Trimeris, Inc. Nick Ellis, (919) 419-6050 or Hoffmann-La Roche Inc. Kellie McLaughlin, (973) 562-2231 or Manning Selvage & Lee Doug Hochstedler, (212) 213-7031
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